This Is The Response Of Trade Minister Lutfi's Subordinates To The Alleged Stockpiling Of 1.1 Million Kilograms Of Cooking Oil In North Sumatra: The Stockpiled Migor Has Been Distributed

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) has spoken about the finding of 1.1 million kilograms of cooking oil suspected of being stockpiled in North Sumatra. Director General of Consumer Protection and Trade Order (PKTN) Veri Anggrijono said that his party was still in the stage of clarifying the findings.

Furthermore, Veri said that from the report he received, it was known that the 1.1 million kilograms of cooking oil (migor) already had an owner.

In fact, said Veri, the stock allegedly stockpiled has begun to be distributed to both modern retailers and traditional markets.

"The hoarding problem is still an allegation and is being investigated by Poldasu friends. From the report I received, the distributors have already owned the migor and have distributed it to the North Sumatra region," he said when contacted by VOI, quoted Wednesday, February 23.

As is known, the Food Task Force of North Sumatra found as much as 1.1 million kilograms of packaged cooking oil in Deli Serdang. Based on information, the stock is in three warehouses owned by PT Indomarco Prismatama, PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya, and PT Salim Ivomas Pratama Tbk.

Regarding this, Veri has not been able to explain in more detail. Because, his party is still waiting for an official report from the PKTN team with the police regarding the investigation into the alleged hoarding.

In addition, Veri was also reluctant to respond to the statement by the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) which stated that the findings confirmed the suspicion of a domestic cooking oil cartel.

"Regarding KPPU, I cannot comment. Because it is not our authority," he said.

As previously reported, KPPU considered that the findings of the alleged hoarding of 1.1 million kilograms of cooking oil in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra further strengthen the indications of a cartel selling this commodity.

The head of KPPU, Ukay Karyadi, said that the finding of 1.1 million kilograms of cooking oil which was allegedly stockpiled in a large warehouse in North Sumatra was being investigated. This is because this is related to the alleged existence of a domestic cooking oil cartel.

"This finding further strengthens the indications of a cartel, because it can be interpreted that the company intends to influence prices by holding back supply to the market. The alleged cooking oil cartel is currently under investigation," he said when contacted by VOI, Monday, February 21.