Persistently rainy weather at the onset of 2024 is being blamed for higher market prices for many basic market commodities. For example, the price of basic food items in the Bali Regency of Jembrana have increased dramatically in recent weeks.
Chief among the items costing more is chili peppers that, in recent days, have topped Rp. 100,000 per kilogram.
Chili Prices at Pasar Umum Negara – Jembrana
- Cabai Rawit – Green Chilis Rp. 100,000 per kilogram
- Cabai Merah Besar – Large Red Chilis Rp. 60,000 per kilogram
As reported by RadarBali.com, many traders in the Jembrana Public Market cite heavy rains as causing chilies to spoil on the vine and thwarting efforts to replant the next crop.
The sudden hike in chili prices took place before Christmas and has remained high well into the New Year. Chilis sold in Jembrana are generally supplied by distributors.
Traders also worry that the expensive produce will spoil and rot by possibly overstocking chilis before being sold.
Before Christmas on 23 December 2024, green chilis (cabe rawit) sold in the Jembrana traditional market for only Rp,. 23,000 per kilogram, gradually increasing to Rp. 55,000 per kilogram before surpassing Rp. 120,000 per kilogram after New Year’s Day. Meanwhile, Large Red Chilis (Cabai Merah Besar) sold for Rp. 32,000 per kilogram before Christmas, rising to Rp. 40,000 per kilogram and, eventually, to Rp. 60,000 per kilogram in January 2025,
Market experts blame heavy rains for preventing the replanting of many food crops, including chilis, and causing crops already planted to spoil before coming to market.
In Bali, chilis can be viewed as an economic price indicator in Bali given their de rigueur role in Bali kitchens and on local dinner tables. Similarly, other prices at Bali markets for other basic commodities have also increased.
Updated Market Prices at Denpasar Markets for the following commodities:
- Shallots Rp. 35,000 – Rp. 45,000 per kilogram
- Garlic Rp. 40,000 per kilogram
- C4 Rice Rp. 14,000 per kilogram
- Chicken (Ayam Ras) Rp. 38,000 per kilogram
- Beef Rp. 135,000 per kilogram
- Sugar (Gula Pasir) Rp. 13,000 per kilogram
- Cooking Oil Rp. 15,500 per kilogram
- Tahu Rp. 13,000 per kilogram
- Tempe Rp. 15,000 per kilogram
- Eggs Rp. 28,800 per kilogram
- Tomatoes (Tomat Sayur) Rp. 20,000 per kilogram (usually Rp. 10,000-15,000 per kilogram)
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