Gianyar District Government Organises Cheap Market Ahead of Nyepi and Eid al-Fitr Celebrations, Rice Sells Out as Residents Rush to Buy

Eid al-Fitr and Nyepi celebrations are just over a week away. Prices of essential foodstuffs are likely to spike.

The Gianyar District Government took immediate action by launching a cheap market to forestall price increases ahead of these two major religious celebrations. One such market was organised by the District Food Security, Maritime and Fisheries Office (DKPKP).

“Through this cheap market movement (GPM), residents can obtain essential foodstuffs at prices lower than market rates,” said I Gusti Agung Sri Widyawati, Head of the District Food Security, Maritime and Fisheries Office, at Gianyar Town Square on Friday (13 March).

Sri stated that various essential foodstuffs priced below market rates were being sold at the cheap market. These included rice, cooking oil, sugar, eggs, 3-kilogramme LPG cylinders, fruit, and various other products from micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Sellers of essential foodstuffs at the cheap market were producers and distributors themselves. Though prices were lower, they remained profitable for both producers and buyers.

“Lower prices result from direct contact between producers and consumers, creating smaller margins since there are no middlemen or collectors involved,” Sri explained.

Sri noted that shortly after opening, the market was overwhelmed by residents. Various essential foodstuffs, particularly rice, sold out quickly.

“Rice and other staple goods selling rapidly demonstrate the high level of public interest,” she said.

According to her, the cheap market enables the government to monitor distribution of essential foodstuffs. Additionally, the initiative helps keep local inflation low and stable.

“The government can monitor and ensure that market supply and prices remain balanced,” she concluded.