Post-Eid, Red Bird's Eye Chilli Prices in Central Java Reach Rp 70,000 per Kg

SEMARANG – Prices of red bird’s eye chillies in the market have once again surged sharply after a brief decline following Eid al-Fitr. Previously ranging around Rp 60,000 per kilogram, the reduced supply of chillies has now pushed prices back up to Rp 70,000 per kilogram. Head of the Central Java Industry and Trade Office (Disperindag), July Emmylia, stated that the price increase has been observed uniformly across the province. “The provincial average is experiencing an increase because during the Eid period, demand remains quite high, while the stock entering the market has decreased,” said Emmy when contacted on Thursday (27/3/2026). According to Emmy, large traders are still tending to be cautious in their purchases due to the unstable market conditions. “Chilli traders are still afraid to stock up in large quantities, given that the market is not yet relatively stable despite high demand,” she continued. She added that the average price of red bird’s eye chillies in traditional markets in Central Java is Rp 77,000 per kilogram. “On average across the province, the price of red bird’s eye chillies reaches Rp 77,000 per kilogram,” Emmy revealed. One trader at Kembangasari Market, Romlah, admitted that the price of red bird’s eye chillies had briefly dropped due to abundant stock flooding the local market. “The price has risen to Rp 70,000 per kilogram. Whereas yesterday it was Rp 60,000 per kilogram, now it’s hard to find stock,” said Romlah. Another trader, Ragil, echoed similar sentiments. He stated that the price hike occurred because supplies have started to falter, while demand has increased again. He mentioned that a few days ago, prices had even dipped to Rp 50,000 per kilogram. At that time, supplies were plentiful because distribution was directed more towards local markets. “Jakarta was quiet during the homecoming exodus, so all the stock went local. Now it’s rising because Jakarta has started pulling in sales again, so chilli prices in the market are up, and stock is scarce,” said Ragil.