Prices of imported green chilies at Hili land port have fallen by BDT 70 per kilogram in just two days due to a surge in imports and a decline in quality, traders said on Sunday (August 24).

According to port officials, imported green chilies that sold for BDT 170 to BDT 180 per kilogram earlier this week are now selling at BDT 110. Imports through Hili have risen from 5–10 truckloads a day to 15–20, causing a supply glut in the market.

Wholesale buyers expressed relief at the drop. Abdur Rahim, who traveled from Bogura to purchase chilies at the port, said, “Because local supply is low, I regularly buy green chilies from Hili. Prices had been high in recent days, but in the last two days, imports increased and prices came down.”

Importers, however, are facing losses. Shahabul Islam, a green chili importer at Hili, said the decision to increase shipments from India was aimed at stabilizing prices and meeting demand. “Supplies have now exceeded demand, so prices are down. On top of that, the quality has deteriorated as rain-soaked trucks kept the chilies under tarpaulins. Just two days ago we sold at BDT 170 to BDT 180 per kilo; now we are forced to sell at BDT 110, below cost,” he said.

MR Zaman, revenue officer at Hili land customs station, said green chili imports are cleared quickly as they are perishable. “So far this season, 166 trucks carrying 1,376 tons of green chilies have entered through Hili,” he said.