With Saudi Arabia refusing to accept shipment of over six tonnes of imported chillies from India, prices of the spicy produce have spiralled downwards at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi. Wholesale price of the commodity has halved from the earlier Rs 24-36 to Rs 12-16 per kg now, according to traders.

Decision to ban import of chillies from India was made after a sample testing from the Indian shipment showed the presence of high levels of pesticides