The prices of commodities such as rice, sugar, eggs, and chili in Kudus District of Central Java were increased.
"Some commodities whose prices increased included chili, rice, sugar, and eggs," Chief of Local Trade for Kudus Market and Trade Management Office Sofyan Dhuhri stated here on Tuesday.
Sofyan noted that on an average, the price of chili in Kudus area increased from Rp27.4 thousand per kilogram to Rp50 thousand per kilogram. The price of sugar also increased from Rp8.5 thousand per kilogram to Rp nine thousand per kilogram.
Sofyan revealed that the price of IR-64 rice also increased by Rp500 to reach Rp nine thousand per kilogram.
The chief noted that the increase in the prices of some commodities were not only caused due to shortage in supply from the farmers but also due to the hike in premium fuel price that climbed from Rp6.5 thousand to Rp8.5 thousand.
"We have adequate sugar stocks, however, the price was also starting to increase," Sofyan remarked.
A report provided by the Trade and Industry Office in North Sulawesi on Tuesday morning, also indicated an increase in the prices of several commodities.
The price of eggs increased 2.74 percent with each costing Rp1,387. The price of chili also increased from Rp55 thousand to Rp68.6 thousand per kilogram.
The office also noted an increase in the price of garlic from Rp18.3 thousand to Rp18,650 per kilogram.
Weaken the purchasing power
The Indonesian Consumer Board (YLKI) of Riau Province has stated that the increase in fuel prices can affect the purchasing power of Indonesians, particularly those belonging to middle and lower economic classes.
According to Director of Riau YLKI Sukardi Ali Zahar, the fuel price hike will increase inflation that will weaken the peoples purchasing power.
"The situation, totally, can adversely affect business persons involved in the industrial and agricultural sectors," Sukardi noted.
The agency also warned the people and local administration to be wary of two-fold hikes in commodity prices.
"Several prices of commodities were increased before the fuel costs were hiked. It is also possible for the commodity traders to increase the prices after the fuel prices were hiked," Sukardi noted.
President Joko Widodo has decided to increase the price of subsidized fuel, including premium fuel, from Rp6.5 thousand to Rp8.5 thousand per liter and diesel fuel from Rp5.5 thousand to Rp7.5 thousand per liter. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
