The Price Of Eggs Is Still High, Trade Minister Zulhas Ensures That There Will Be An Intervention If It Increases By More Than 5 Percent: Local Governments Give Subsidies 2 PerCENT For Distribution

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan in Bogor. (Photo: Doc. VOI/Mery Handayani)

JAKARTA - Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan did not deny that the price of eggs is still high at this time. However, he said, the increase in egg prices was not too significant. If prices continue to increase, the government will intervene.

Zulhas, as Zulkifli Hasan is familiarly called, explained that the intervention carried out by the government was aimed at reducing the surge in commodity prices.

"If the price increases by more than 5 percent, the mayor will intervene," he said when met in the Bogor area, West Java, Friday, December 23.

Zulhas said, the central government has assigned local governments to distribute egg distribution cost subsidies of 2 percent of the General Transfer Fund (DTU).

Furthermore, Zulhas said the subsidy will always be there and can be used at any time.

"The money is there. For example, the cost of eggs from Blitar to Jakarta can be borne by the Regional Government. If it is still expensive, it can be price subsidies," he said.

Previously, Zulhas said there were several commodities that experienced an increase, for example, eggs. He said the increase in egg prices was due to increased demand ahead of Christmas and New Year.

"The price of eggs has increased slightly because demand has increased. Later, if the demand is normal again, the price will fall again. This increase is still reasonable at IDR 30,700 per kg, but modern retail is still IDR 27,000 per kg," he said in an official statement, written Friday, December 9.

The Ministry of Trade, said Zulhas, continues to coordinate with stakeholders to maintain price stability and supply of bapok.

"The government always discusses with stakeholders, including business actors' associations to find a way out together," he added.