The prices of several commodities have increased more than two-fold. One of them is red chili.Jakarta (ANTARA) - Some traders at Slipi traditional market in West Jakarta have complained about the skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs despite the Eid al-Fitr festivities ending a few weeks ago.
"The prices of several commodities have increased more than two-fold. One of them is red chili," traditional market trader Sri highlighted on Tuesday.
The price of red chili has more than doubled to Rp100 thousand per kilogram (kg) from Rp40 thousand per kg, while the price of red curly chili has climbed to Rp70 thousand per kg from Rp40 thousand kg.
The prices of onion and garlic have remained stable at Rp60 thousand per kg.
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The price of green curly chili has risen to Rp70 thousand per kg from Rp50 thousand per kg earlier.
Eggplant is currently selling for Rp15 thousand per kg, up Rp3 thousand from Rp12 thousand per kg earlier.
Sri informed that the prices have increased since a week ago.
She said she believed that minimal stocks at the wholesale market and high demand have been responsible for the price hike.
As a result, she added, she is finding it difficult to sell foodstuffs.
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"We have difficulties selling them because nobody wants to buy (in large quantities). They usually buy one kilogram, but this time, they are only buying one ounce," she informed.
She expressed the hope that the government will take prompt steps to lower the prices of foodstuffs without delay.
Another trader, Syawal, also complained about the price increase.
He said the prices of several commodities, including eggs and wheat flour, have increased. The price of eggs has risen to Rp30 thousand per kg from Rp28 thousand kg, while the price of bulk wheat flour has increased to Rp10 thousand per kg from Rp9 thousand kg.
Meanwhile, the prices of several commodities, including packaged cooking oil, have remained stable, he noted.
Syawal said he is selling two-liter packaged cooking oil at Rp45 thousand and one-liter packaged cooking oil at Rp23 thousand.
"The bulk cooking oil is priced at Rp18 thousand per kg," he said.
Only a few people are buying packaged cooking oil. Many people are buying bulk cooking oil due to its low price, he added.
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Translator: Walda Marison, Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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