Red Chilli Shortage in Gianyar, Deputy Regent Cites Weather Factors

Deputy Regent of Gianyar Anak Agung Gde Mayun has assured the public that supplies of essential commodities remain secure ahead of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr 2026. However, he acknowledged that several food items have become scarce over the past two months, notably cabai bontok (a distinctive red chilli variety native to Bali).

Mayun attributed the shortage of cabai bontok to adverse weather conditions and heavy rainfall. He explained that this Balinese chilli variety can be harvested at good quality only during clear weather conditions.

“Growing cabai bontok requires warm or hot weather,” said Mayun following an inspection of the Gianyar Police discount market at the former Blahbatuh Market on Friday 13 March 2026.

The supply shortage has driven prices for cabai bontok at Gianyar People’s Market to reach 100,000 rupiahs per kilogramme, compared to the normal price range of 70,000 to 80,000 rupiahs per kilogramme. This price increase has persisted since early February 2026.

Despite the chilli shortage, Mayun stated that stocks of essential commodities such as rice, cooking oil and other staples remain adequate. He claimed that prices of basic necessities have not experienced significant increases.

“We in government anticipated this situation beforehand. We continue to work on ensuring supply availability. So far, we are also managing to control prices,” said Mayun.

“Price increases are merely a matter of market fluctuation, not deliberate action,” he added.

Gianyar Police Chief AKBP Chandra Kesuma stated that operations had been conducted to investigate the possibility of food hoarding. To date, he said, there were no indications of hoarding activities leading to shortages of essential commodities in Gianyar.

“We have conducted field operations and investigations. So far, there is no shortage and no hoarding,” said Chandra.

Chandra noted that the Police Food Task Force regularly monitors various markets and food commodity distributors in Gianyar ahead of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr. “Reports from our Food Task Force indicate no distribution disruptions of essential commodities. Everything is proceeding normally,” he concluded.