"This is one of our efforts to ensure the safe distribution of cooking oil at an affordable price in accordance with the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) and the Indonesian National Standard (SNI)," Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan stated at a working meeting with Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta, Tuesday.
The launch of packaged cooking oil, with the trademark "Minyakita," will be conducted at the office of the Ministry of Trade in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, July 6.
Hasan explained that the simple packaged cooking oil will simplify the distribution process to consumers.
"The cooking oil will be distributed through various partners of the Ministry of Trade. We hope it would be distributed properly at an affordable price of Rp 14 thousand," he remarked.
Currently, the highest retail price of bulk cooking oil in Java and Bali has complied with the government's policy of Rp14 thousand per liter. Nationally, the average price is Rp15 thousand per liter since cooking oil in eastern Indonesia is still priced at Rp20 thousand per liter.
The minister pointed to the steep price of bulk cooking oil in eastern Indonesia on account of logistical constraints since large storage containers of up to one ton in weight for each tank were still used. This condition makes it more difficult to distribute cooking oil to the islands and highlands in Papua, Maluku, and parts of Sulawesi.
Hasan ensured that packaged cooking oil of the "Minyakita" brand will facilitate the distribution process without being hindered by logistical problems.
"With the launch of 'Minyakita', I hope that in the next two weeks, the price of cooking oil would be below Rp14 thousand for all parts in Indonesia," he remarked.
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Translator: Sugiharto Purnama, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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