Ahead Of Ramadan, Trade Minister Zulhas: Prices Of Basic Materials Are Stable

Minister of Trade Zulhas (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan explained that the prices of basic necessities (bapok) are in a stable condition ahead of the fasting month or Ramadan 2023.

"Towards fasting and Eid, it has been observed that commodity prices have been monitored to this day, we say they are stable but stable, "he said in a meeting with Commission VI of the DPR, quoted on Thursday, March 16.

Zulhas, as Zulkifli Hasan is familiarly called, said that sand is stable in the range of Rp. 14,400 per KG, beef is Rp. 137,500 per KG, and chicken is Rp. 34,000 per KG.

Meanwhile, said Zulhas, chili commodities have indeed experienced an increase in prices. However, it is projected that it will soon fall.

Chili is projected to be temporary due to intensive rainfall during February and the increase in garlic prices will soon be normal as the realization of imports begins to enter," he said.

Zulhas also revealed that several commodities that contributed to inflation, namely rice with an increase of 0.08 percent month-to-month (mtm), shallots rose 0.03 percent (mtm), and garlic rose 0.01 percent (mtm).

Meanwhile, several commodities that contributed to deflation included broiler meat which fell 0.02 percent (mtm), tomatoes fell 0.02 percent (mtm), broiler eggs fell 0.02 percent (mtm), cayenne pepper fell 0.01 percent (mtm), and cooking oil fell 0.01 percent (mtm).

Regarding cooking oil, said Zulhas, the Ministry of Trade ensures an increase in the supply of Domestic Market Obligations (DMO) by 450,000 tons per month during February, March and April.

"The Ministry of Trade has also transferred the export rights that CPO producers have as deposits that can only be used in May 2023," he said.