Chilli and Onion Prices Fall at West Jakarta's Kopro Market

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The prices of chilli and shallots at Pasar Tomang Barat, also known as Pasar Kopro, in Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta, have been declining over the past week. A vegetable trader named Fauzi (23) stated that the price drop has affected all types of chilli. “All types of chilli have decreased in price,” Fauzi said at Pasar Kopro on Friday. The price of red bird’s eye chilli has now reached Rp60,000 per kilogram, down from a previous price of Rp80,000 per kg. Furthermore, large green chillies are currently priced at Rp50,000 per kg, curly green chillies at Rp50,000 per kg, red bird’s eye chillies at Rp60,000 per kg, curly red chillies at Rp60,000 per kg, large red chillies at Rp60,000 per kg, and green bird’s eye chillies at Rp70,000 per kg. Fauzi noted that the decline in chilli prices has been occurring for more than a week. In addition to chillies, the price of shallots has also fallen. “Shallots have dropped from Rp70,000 per kilogram to Rp60,000 per kilogram,” Fauzi revealed. Another trader, Ida Rahayu (56), said the decrease in chilli and shallot prices has been happening for about two weeks. According to her, one of the factors behind the price drop is the abundant stock at the main wholesale market. “Usually, when prices rise (skyrocket), it’s because stock is low, empty, and deliveries are also late,” Ida explained. Meanwhile, a market visitor, Jamilah (38), welcomed the decline in prices of several staple foods. Because prices are currently falling, she admitted she does not hesitate to buy in large quantities. “When prices are high, like when buying chillies, I reduce the purchase, from, say, one kilogram to just half a kilogram,” Ida said. She further expressed hope that the prices of staple goods in traditional markets can remain stable as they are now.