Traders Complain That Rice Prices Will Rise Again Ahead Of Ramadan

Rice stock in Food Station/ Photo: Rizky Sulistio/ VOI

JAKARTA - The increase in rice prices in Jakarta has made small traders from rice stalls scream. The high price of rice from agents at the Cipinang Food Station Main Market makes small traders confused. Moreover, rice is also experiencing scarcity.

According to M Collin, a rice trader who sells on Jalan Jabah Kampung Tengah, Kramat Jati District, East Jakarta, the current price of rice reaches IDR 12 thousand per kilogram (Kg) for the lowest quality rice.

"Currently, the price per one kg is Rp. 12 thousand, the lowest compared to the previous Rp. 10 thousand and Rp. 9 thousand, the lowest," said Collin, Wednesday, February 21.

Collin explained that the increase in rice prices had started since January 2024. However, the price increase has occurred slowly since November 2023.

"The rise is slowly, in November 2023 it will be around Rp. 10,000 and Rp. 9 thousand per kg, and the peak will be in January 2024," he said.

Collin said the price increase is expected to rise again ahead of the upcoming 2024 month of Ramadan. However, he confirmed that until now there has been no price change.

"He said he wanted to go up again, because he wanted to fast, but there was no further information," he said.

Collin also said that he did not know the cause of the increase in prices and the scarcity of rice stocks. It's just that it happened during the General Election period (2024).

He also hopes that this condition can recover soon and traders and the community can calmly sell and buy rice.

"You don't know why it's rare and the price has gone up, which is clear during the election season and the campaign is starting to be felt," he said.