Food prices soar to new highs

JAKARTA (JP): Prices of several essential commodities soared to new highs yesterday following the government's recent decision to increase fuel and transport tariffs.

Traders in major markets reported that sugar, wheat flour, cooking oil and sweet potato were particularly affected.

In Klender market, East Jakarta, the price of sugar rose yet again, from Rp 2,400/kg three days ago to Rp 2,600/kg, Antara reported.

The price of wheat flour rose from Rp 2,100/kg to Rp 2,250/kg, sweet potato from Rp 2,200/kg to Rp 2,500/kg, and lower grade cooking oil from Rp 4,000/kg to Rp 4,400/kg.

Prices of other foodstuffs did not increase although they remained high. Onions now cost Rp 8,000/kg, eggs Rp 5,200/kg, peanuts Rp 10,000/kg, emping (crackers made of gnetum gnemon fruit) Rp 10,000/kg, brown sugar Rp 4,400/kg, mung beans Rp 5,500/kg, tomatoes Rp 5,000/kg, and chili Rp 5,500/kg.

Ida, a 45-year-old trader at Rawamangun market, said there was no way prices of basic commodities would decrease. On the contrary, she predicted they would continue to creep up if the situation did not improve.

Prices of basic commodities have steadily increased since Indonesia sank into deep crisis last July.

Recently, the government increased the prices of fuels by between 25 percent and 72 percent and electricity tariffs by 20 percent. (pan)