Acehnese stock up on staple foods

BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Fears of an outbreak of violence in the province has prompted residents here to inundate markets and stores to stock up on staple foods.

Residents were also anticipating on Thursday a surge in market prices.

Two local markets in Peunayung and Kampung Baru in the Aceh mayoralty were packed with people buying rice, sugar, cooking oil and eggs.

When asked, several residents admitted that they were forecasting possible unrest in early December which would disrupt the distribution of food in the province.

"We all know that usually there is always a price hike if demand is high," said housewife Ita.

Ita was also concerned that widely rumored riots would coincide with the lead-up to the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan. The fasting month is scheduled to begin on Dec. 9.

Another resident, Razali, said as the month of December approached more and more shops were closing.

Residents also expressed concern about the upcoming Dec. 4 anniversary of the Aceh separatist movement.

"It looks like that's the reason why people are stocking up on food supplies, particularly things which can be stored for a relatively longer period," said Razali.

The price of several items was already rising.

Eggs rose from Rp 350 to Rp 400 each, while cooking oil jumped from Rp 3,300 to Rp 4,000 per kilogram.

In South Aceh the price of kerosene doubled because there were no supplies entering the city.

"It used to be Rp 400 or Rp 450 per liter, but now we have to buy it for Rp 800 per liter. This area alone needs around 10 tons per day," said local distributor Eduard Abdullah.

In West Aceh residents began bracing for shortages of staple foods. Store shelves were already being emptied and there were no indications when replenishment stocks might enter the area.

A retailer in Meulaboh, Ismail Wahid, said that for the last two days no supplies were sent to the area.

Sugar, which was earlier sold at Rp 2,200 per kilogram, rose to Rp 2,600 per kilogram, while cooking oil which was previously selling for approximately Rp 3,400 was now selling for at least Rp 4,000 per liter. (50/emf)