The cost of chilis produced in Th. Kandoodhoo, a key ingredient in Maldivian cuisine, has surged to MVR 370 per kilogram in the Malé market.

Mohamed Arif, a vendor from Kandoodhoo, told Sun on Friday that the price has remained above MVR 300 for the past three weeks. He attributes the significant increase to a shortage caused by hot weather conditions.

Typically, Kandoodhoo chili is sold for around MVR 120 per kilo, but it has now risen to between MVR 320 and MVR 370 per kilo. 

Other produce prices have also increased, with Maldivian cucumbers jumping from MVR 35 to MVR 75 per kilo. Indian melons, popular especially during Ramadan, are still available for MVR 35 per kilo.

Passion fruits are sold at MVR 80 per kilo, smoked tuna at MVR 125 per kilo, pumpkins at MVR 25 per kilo, bananas between MVR 35 and MVR 40 per kilo, and coconuts between MVR 8 and 10.

Carrots cost MVR 40 per kilo, limes MVR 35 per kilo, while collard greens (kopy faiy) and curry leaves (hikandhi faiy) are priced at MVR 10 per bundle. Pandan leaves are available for MVR 5.