Housewives aghast at price hikes

BOGOR (JP): Many housewives were shocked yesterday to find prices of essential commodities skyrocketing yet again following the increase in fuel prices Tuesday.

Some said they wondered if their family income would be sufficient to make ends meet.

"Can you believe it, I bought three red chilies for Rp 500," Sumarni said.

Onions recorded the highest price hike. In Kebon Kembang market, the commodity's price increased to Rp 8,000 per kilogram from Rp 6,000. The price of red chilies rose from Rp 3,500 to Rp 4,000/kg and potatoes from Rp 2,200 to Rp 2,500/kg.

Cooking oil increased from Rp 3,300 to Rp 4,400/kg and wheat flour from Rp 1,800 to Rp 2,000/kg.

Traders attributed the soaring prices to the increase in fuel rates. (24/jun)