Food Price Increases During Ramadan 2026 Considered Reasonable

Food Price Increases During Ramadan 2026 Considered Normal

• Special Report

Jakarta, VIVA - The increase in the price of several food commodities during Ramadan 2026 is considered to be within reasonable limits. This was stated by economic observer Surya Vandiantara from the Muhammadiyah University of Bengkulu.

According to Surya, the current price increases are not caused by a shortage of goods in the market. Furthermore, the price increases only affect certain food commodities and are not followed by price increases for other goods.

“This price increase is also accompanied by an increase in public consumption. This means that current market prices are still within the purchasing power of the public,” said Surya on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

Surya explained that the national food stock is still considered safe. This is because the price increase is more influenced by the increase in public demand during the holy month of Ramadan and leading up to Eid al-Fitr.

He believes that the public’s habit of buying and consuming more food during Ramadan also contributes to the increase in demand in the market.

“When demand increases, prices usually adjust accordingly,” he said.

However, Surya warned of the potential for traders to take advantage of the Ramadan momentum to raise prices unreasonably in order to gain more profit.

Therefore, he believes that the government’s efforts to conduct market operations are very important to maintain the stability of food prices. In addition, the government is also expected to take firm action against traders who are proven to be manipulating prices in the market.

“This firm action could include the revocation of business licenses, in order to provide a deterrent effect. This will ultimately make the public feel safer when shopping during Ramadan,” he said.