Chili price skyrockets in Pekanbaru

PEKANBARU, Riau: The price of red chili has surged five-fold over the past month in Pekanbaru, Riau, with many residents complaining that the steep increase had burdened them.

Based on observations at a number of traditional markets across the city, chili prices had reached Rp 70,000 (about US$7) per kg. compared to Rp 12,000 previously.

A trader at the Arengka market, Masril, said the price of chilis had been increasing since the second week in June. He added that traders often had difficulty large quantities of chilis.

"I don't know what caused the hike. Usually, chilis become scarce and expensive when transportation routes to West Sumatra are cut, but that is not the case now," Masril told The Jakarta Post.

Pekanbaru Trade and Industry Office chief Suradji said the surge in the price of chili was attributed to limited supplies from outside the province, especially from Java. -JP