Palu, C Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - The Central Sulawesi branch of State Logistics Agency (Bulog) finds it more difficult to buy rice from local farmers, because the price continues to edge up following the fuel price hikes.

Local Bulog spokesman Maruf stated here on Monday that despite the ongoing grand harvest, Bulog is still unable to buy rice from the farmers.

"It is very difficult to get the rice at standard price set by the government, but we will continue to make every effort to buy it from rice mill centers in every district and city in the province," he said.

Maruf noted that the price set by the government is Rp6,600 per kg, but Bulog has to buy it from the farmers at Rp7,500 per kg as the impact of the increase in subsidized fuel oil prices.

Consequently, he said the target of Bulog to procure 47 thousand tons of rice this year would not probably be met, because to date Bulog has just absorbed only 19 thousand tons, or 40 percent of the target.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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