Acehnese stock up on staple foods

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)