Curly Red Chili Prices Soar to Rp 100,000 per Kg; These are the Most Expensive Regions

Chili prices have been rising in recent days.

According to the National Strategic Food Price Information Center, the average price of red curly chilies in traditional markets across Indonesia reached Rp71,000/kg on Tuesday, June 14, 2022. This is a 21.26% increase compared to the previous week, when the price was Rp58,550/kg.

West Sumatra recorded the highest price for red curly chilies in traditional markets, reaching Rp100,250/kg.

This price in West Sumatra is the highest since the beginning of 2022. Compared to a month ago, for example, the price of red curly chilies in this province was only Rp39,750/kg.

The next highest prices for red curly chilies were found in traditional markets in Riau at Rp96,750/kg, followed by Central Kalimantan at Rp95,000/kg, Bangka Belitung Islands at Rp94,400/kg, and Riau Islands at Rp93,150/kg.

Meanwhile, the cheapest price for red curly chilies was found in Southeast Sulawesi at Rp38,750/kg.

Tommy Nugraha, Director of Vegetables and Medicinal Plants at the Directorate General of Horticulture, Ministry of Agriculture, said that one of the reasons for the price increase is the high rainfall. As a result, many chili fields and gardens have been affected by disease and flooding, reducing production.

This has forced farmers to spend more on fertilizers and pesticides to protect their chili crops from pests and fungi. "This is what's causing chili prices to increase," said Tommy, as quoted by *Kompas.com* on Monday (June 13, 2022).