Curly Red Chilli Prices Soar in Batam, Shoppers Cut Back

The price of red chillies in several traditional markets in Batam City fluctuated again on Tuesday (28/7). The highest increase occurred for curly red chillies, which were sold at around Rp50,350 per kilogram, up approximately Rp6,700 from the previous price. Meanwhile, large red chillies rose to Rp68,000 per kilogram. On the other hand, the price of red bird’s eye chillies actually fell to Rp62,150 per kilogram. The increase in curly red chilli prices is beginning to be felt by traders in several traditional markets. A chilli trader at Pasar Tos 3000 Batam, Amin, 40, said prices from distributors have increased in recent days due to reduced supply from supplier regions. ‘In the past few days, the price of curly red chillies has indeed risen. We take goods from distributors at higher prices, so we are forced to adjust the selling price. Buyers are still there, but many are reducing the amount they purchase,’ he said on Tuesday (28/7). According to him, the supply of chillies from production centres has not fully normalised, so prices at the trader level still have the potential to change following distributor prices. The price increase is also beginning to be felt by the public. A buyer, Ince, 34, admitted that she is now more selective in buying chillies to keep household expenses under control. ‘Usually I buy one kilogram, now half a kilogram is enough. The important thing is that cooking needs are still met because chilli prices are rising,’ she said. Apart from chillies, the prices of several other staple foods in Batam are relatively stable. Premium rice is still around Rp16,000 per kilogram, medium rice at Rp15,150 per kilogram, while shallots and garlic experienced a slight decrease compared to previous days. Market players hope that the supply of chillies from supplier regions will return to normal so that prices can gradually stabilise. Considering that most of Batam’s chilli needs are still brought in from outside the region, smooth distribution is an important factor in maintaining price stability at the consumer level. As of the time this report was filed, the Head of the Batam City Industry and Trade Office (Disperindag), Wahyu Daryatin, and the Head of Trade at the Batam City Disperindag had not provided any statement regarding the development of chilli prices in traditional markets. Confirmation efforts are still ongoing.