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The price of green chilies has fallen by nearly half in markets across Sharsha upazila of Jashore, including Benapole, following the import of 80 tonnes of the commodity from India through the Benapole land port over the past five days.
Green chilies, which were selling for around Tk 300 per kilogram just five days ago, are now being sold for Tk 150–180 per kg in local markets.
The government began allowing imports of green chilies from India after prices surged abnormally across the country, with the aim of stabilising the market.
According to port officials, the first consignment entered Benapole on Monday at around 8pm, with an Indian truck carrying 9,200 kg (9.2 tonnes) of green chilies. The second consignment arrived on Tuesday evening in three trucks carrying 42,220 kg (42.22 tonnes).
Another 14,000 kg (14 tonnes) arrived in a truck on Thursday evening, while a final consignment of 15,000 kg (15 tonnes) entered the port on Saturday evening.
With these consignments, a total of around 80 tonnes of green chilies have been imported through Benapole over the past five days.
The imports have already had a significant impact on local prices. Traders said green chilies are now selling for Tk 150–180 per kg in markets across Sharsha, compared with Tk 300 just a few days ago.
Importer Rafiqul Islam said green chilies are being imported from India at $305 per tonne, with the total import cost coming to around Tk 135 per kg after all expenses.
“We are selling the chilies in the market with a small profit margin. If imports increase, prices will fall further,” he said.
However, Rafiqul alleged that complications in customs procedures and delays in releasing consignments are increasing the overall cost of imports and putting importers at risk of losses.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, imports began after the government granted permission to traders to bring green chilies from different parts of India, particularly Nashik.
In the first phase, 69 traders received import permits (IPs) to import a total of 29,710 tonnes of green chilies. Imports began on Monday.
Meanwhile, green chilies were selling at Tk 300 per kg at the Benapole wholesale market five days ago. By Sunday morning, August 9, the price had dropped to Tk 150–180 per kg.
Traders expect prices to fall below Tk 100 per kg if imports increase further.
Market traders said the rapid decline in prices is largely due to the quick clearance and distribution of imported consignments immediately after they arrive at the port.
The consignments are being imported by Shimu Enterprise, while C&F agent Shimu Shipping Lines is assisting with the clearance process.
Ruhul Amin, acting director (Traffic) of Benapole Land Port, said arrangements were being made to complete customs and other formalities and release the consignments as quickly as possible after the trucks carrying chilies arrive at the port.
“Many more trucks carrying green chilies are waiting on the other side of the border to enter the port,” he said.