Beef Prices in Sukabumi Continue to Soar, Reaching Rp150,000 Per Kilogramme
Beef prices in Sukabumi City, West Java, have risen to Rp150,000 per kilogramme on 17 March, four days before Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah, with prices predicted to increase further as Eid approaches.
According to monitoring conducted by the Sukabumi Trade, Cooperatives, Micro and Small Enterprises and Industry Office (Diskumindag) at Pasar Pelita and Pasar Tipar Gede, the price increase is driven by rising demand. The rise in beef prices has been accompanied by increases in large red chillies.
The commodity, which previously cost around Rp45,000, has now risen to Rp50,000 per kilogramme. Local large red chilli prices have also increased from Rp70,000 to Rp75,000 per kilogramme.
“As Eid approaches, prices of various essential commodities continue to rise. Indeed, prices have been fluctuating since Ramadan,” said M Rifki, Head of the Trade Section at Sukabumi Diskumindag, on 17 March.
Price fluctuations in various commodities are influenced by supply levels, amongst other factors. Unstable and increasingly extreme weather conditions have also significantly affected price volatility of various commodities.
“Besides demand, price fluctuations are influenced by weather conditions,” he noted.
Meanwhile, prices of other food staples remain stable. According to Diskumindag data on 17 March, Ciherang Cianjur I rice costs around Rp15,200 per kilogramme, Ciherang Cianjur II rice Rp14,800 per kilogramme, Ciherang Sukabumi rice Rp15,200 per kilogramme, premium grade I rice Rp15,200 per kilogramme, and premium grade II rice Rp14,800 per kilogramme. Medium grade I rice costs around Rp14,400 per kilogramme and the lowest-priced local medium grade rice Rp13,500 per kilogramme.
“Broiler chicken prices average around Rp42,000 per kilogramme and chicken eggs Rp40,000 per kilogramme,” he noted.
Rifki stated that despite price fluctuations, supply continues to meet public demand. Consequently, no market disruption has occurred.
“Public demand continues to be met. God willing, stocks are secure. Only prices are fluctuating, which is normal given that demand increases as Eid approaches,” he concluded.