Bandarlampung (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Trade (Wamendag) Jerry Sambuaga stated that the government would continually strive to maintain stability in food prices for the public until the end of the year.

"Earlier, we monitored food prices, such as oil and several basic necessities, one of which was at Natar Market, and the prices were relatively stable," Sambuaga stated in South Lampung on Saturday.

By monitoring the stability in food prices in the market, the government will continue to strive to maintain this condition until the commemoration of Christmas and the New Year.

"I expect that the stability in food prices in the market can continue until the end of the year. Apart from food prices, there are no obstacles in terms of the availability of basic necessities at the trader level," he remarked.

Sambuaga stated that prices and food availability in the community would continue to be monitored in order to maintain price stability and food distribution in the field.

"As a result, public consumption can be maintained. Prices and supply availability can also be maintained," he remarked.

Meanwhile, a trader, Azizah, said that the prices of basic necessities, such as sugar, rice, oil, and garlic, had not increased much.

"The prices of basic necessities, such as sugar, rice, oil, and garlic, have not increased much. They are still the same as before. For medium-quality rice, it costs Rp13,500 per kilogram, granulated sugar Rp15 thousand per kilogram, and oil Rp15 thousand per liter," Azizah remarked.

Azizah noted that one of the commodities currently experiencing an increase in price is red chili pepper sold at the market trader level for Rp100 thousand per kilogram.

"I hope the prices would remain stable. For basic necessities whose prices do not increase, hopefully, they will remain maintained until the end of this year. Meanwhile, for the (prices of) basic commodities that have risen today, we hope they will fall as soon as possible," she stated.

Translator: Ruth I, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2023