Deputy Trade Minister: Chili prices rise ahead of Eid al-Fitr, driven by weather
South Tangerang (ANTARA) – Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri said that the rise in chili prices ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026 was driven by rising demand among consumers and weather factors affecting production. The statement was made after the Deputy Trade Minister directly monitored prices and staple supply at Pasar Ciputat in South Tangerang on Friday, together with local government authorities.
“As we approach major holidays like these, we must be more active in going to the field to observe price trends of essential commodities,” she said.
In the review, the Deputy Trade Minister noted that packaged cooking oil Minyakita in the market was generally observed to be in line with the highest retail price (HET) of Rp15,700 per litre, with supply deemed safe.
However, she noted several commodities had price increases, especially red bird’s eye chilli (cabai rawit merah) which jumped to about Rp100,000 per kilogram from a reference price of around Rp57,000 per kg.
She said the rise in red chilli prices was triggered by higher demand ahead of the religious festival as well as weather factors affecting production.
“Demand is rising ahead of Eid al-Fitr, compounded by weather conditions that frequently bring rain and disrupt supply,” she said.
Other commodities were relatively stable. Market checks showed curly red chilli around Rp60,000 per kg, shallots Rp35,000–Rp40,000 per kg, and garlic around Rp33,000–Rp35,000 per kg. Meanwhile, premium rice prices were around Rp13,000 per kg and medium rice around Rp14,500 per kg.
For animal protein commodities, beef shin around Rp140,000 per kilogram and beef inside round around Rp150,000 per kilogram, while broiler chickens were sold at about Rp40,000 per bird.
Furthermore, Roro confirmed that staple availability is generally sufficient through to Eid al-Fitr, although the government will continue to strengthen distribution coordination with the National Food Agency (Bapanas).
“From our monitoring so far, all (commodities) stocks are safe and adequate. We just need to strengthen distribution in coordination with Bapanas,” she said.
Roro said the government will bolster price monitoring through the SP2KP system and coordinate with Bapanas to maintain the stability of staple supply and distribution.
After the monitoring, the Deputy Trade Minister distributed 50 relief packages to those in need, each containing 5 kilograms of rice from the Stabilisation of Supply and Prices of Food (SPHP) program and 1 litre Minyakita packaged oil.
“Today, in line with the spirit of Ramadan and ahead of Eid al-Fitr, we are also distributing basic food packages to residents in need,” she added.