Bangladesh: Green chilli prices surge in Dhaka as rains squeeze supply

• Heavy rainfall, waterlogging reduce arrivals, cause crop damage
• Delayed Indian imports add to supply concerns, supporting prices

Bangladesh’s retail green chilli prices have surged in Dhaka, driven by persistent rainfall across key producing regions, which has sharply reduced market arrivals. Supply disruptions, crop damage, and the absence of Indian imports have strengthened market sentiment, with prices rising significantly over the past month.

Retail prices rise sharply across Dhaka markets

Green chilli prices across Dhaka’s kitchen markets increased by BDT 40-60/kg over the past five days, with retail prices reaching BDT 260-300/kg on Monday compared with BDT 200-240/kg previously. Prices in Karwan Bazar, Tejgaon Colony Market, and Moghbazar were at around BDT 300/kg in Moghbazar and Tejgaon, while Karwan Bazar recorded BDT 250-280/kg, depending on quality.

The latest increase is substantial compared with prices of BDT 50-70/kg recorded about a month ago, highlighting the rapid tightening in market availability.

Rain-hit production, lower arrivals tighten supplies

Trade sources attributed the price rally to heavy rainfall and waterlogging in major producing regions, which damaged standing crops and disrupted supplies to wholesale markets. Supplies from Manikganj have nearly stopped, with markets now relying mainly on produce from Kushtia, Khulna, Jhenaidah and Rajshahi, where excessive rainfall has caused root rot and flower damage, reducing harvest volumes.

Daily arrivals have reportedly declined from around 10 truckloads to 8 truckloads, further tightening supplies. Meanwhile, imports from India, which typically help stabilise the market during domestic shortages, have not yet started, adding to supply-side pressure.

Consumers have raised concerns over the sharp increase, alleging that some traders may be using the rainy season to justify higher prices. They have also urged authorities to strengthen market monitoring and curb any possible price manipulation.

Outlook

Green chilli prices are expected to remain firm in the near term as weather-related crop losses and lower arrivals continue to constrain supplies. Market sentiment is likely to ease only after weather conditions improve or imports from India resume.