"It is not true that prices are going up. I would like to explain that today the rice prices, in general, went down by 1.12 percent compared to the previous month. So, prices are showing a downward trend," the minister said here on Wednesday.
He explained that the price of the cheapest type of rice also decreased by 1.23 percent, chicken meat by 6.47 percent, local chicken eggs by 5.16 percent and soybeans by 0.17 percent.
The minister noted, however, that the price of cayenne rose by 39.66 percent and that of red chili by 16.88 percent.
"The prices of these commodities are rising while those of others are showing a downward trend, the minister asserted.
"The prices of these commodities are rising while those of others are showing a downward trend, the minister asserted.
Hatta is convinced that price increase of food commodities may happen only because of speculators' acts and hampered goods distribution.
Therefore, he hoped that price speculators were prevented and the barriers of goods distribution removed.
"Goods must be distributed speedily and should particularly not be disturbed during the current storm and high wave season. I hope supplies continue to run smoothly," the minister said. (A014/INE)
Editor: Ade P Marboen
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