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Rising food prices accompany Ramadan
Prices of staple foods have increased in Java and West Sumatra due to the approaching fasting month of Ramadan, even while local authorities have guaranteed the food supply
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Prices of staple foods have increased in Java and West Sumatra due to the approaching fasting month of Ramadan, even while local authorities have guaranteed the food supply.
South Sumatra provincial trade agency head Eppy Mirza said food stocks were enough to handle the increase in demand for staples during Ramadan, which will start in early September.
"We will conduct market operations to stabilize the prices. The stock of staple foods is enough until December," Eppy said Sunday.
He said rice supply had reached 77,200 tons while consumption was at 26,962 tons per month.
Eppy's promise to stabilize the market, however, has not been reflected in prices, which increased in several traditional markets in Palembang on the same day.
The prices of staple foods such as sugar, eggs, peppers and rice have risen between Rp 1,000 (about 11 US cents) and Rp 5,000 at Kilometer 5 and Cinde markets.
The prices of beef, chicken and eggs increased from Rp 55,000 to Rp 60,000, from Rp 20,000 to Rp 24,000 and from Rp 13,000 to Rp 14,000 per kilogram respectively.
Separately, Palembang trade and cooperatives agency head Wanrjik Badarudin confirmed the current increase in staple food prices was due to Ramadan.
"But the rise is still within the normal limit. We will contact food distributors to ask about it," Badarudin said Sunday.
He promised his office would take stern action against distributors found to be increasing prices to excessive amounts.
While a fasting month would seem to reduce food consumption, people often prepare a variety of cuisines to welcome in the holy month, upping demand for staples.
In West Java, Antara reported Sunday that prices of beef and chicken in Harjamukti, Jagasatru and Pasar Pagi markets in Cirebon had gained an average of Rp 1,000 to Rp 2000 per kilogram.
Market traders increased the prices following a rise from distributors.
"The increase will be even higher closer to Ramadan," said Soleh, a trader at Pasar Pagi market.
Meat prices in traditional markets in Purwakarta, West Java, have also increased.
"People buy less meat than usual as the price is higher now," said Epung, a trader at Pasar Rebo market.
Mona Anis, 45, a housewife in Gorontalo, said prices of staple foods, such as flour and vegetable oil, as well as meat, have increased.
