Bangladesh imports 9.2 tonnes of green chili from India through Benapole

Bangladesh imported 9.2 tonnes of green chili from India through Benapole land port as the government seeks to increase supplies and reduce domestic prices.

The truck entered the port Monday night, and authorities cleared the shipment after customs and port procedures were completed. Shimu Enterprise imported the chilies.

Importer Shahajan Ali said his total cost was about Tk 135 per kilogram (approximately $1.09), adding that the chilies would be sold at a small profit. He said customs and clearance complications were raising costs and increasing the risk of losses.

Green chili was selling for about Tk 300 per kilogram (approximately $2.43) at Benapole’s wholesale market Tuesday.

The government initially issued 69 traders permits to import 29,710 tonnes. Benapole land port director Shamim Hossain said several more trucks were waiting across the border and could enter Tuesday.