Minister of Trade: Basic Commodity Prices in Post-Disaster Sumatra Region Remain Relatively Stable

Jakarta – The Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, has confirmed that prices of basic necessities in disaster-affected regions remain relatively stable in the lead-up to Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah.

The Minister made this statement following an inspection of traditional and modern markets in Tebing Tinggi City, North Sumatra, accompanied by North Sumatra’s Deputy Governor, Surya.

“Everything has returned to normal, the market is quite busy. We saw for ourselves how many visitors there were,” said Budi on Friday, 27 February 2026.

During his visit, Budi also checked the availability of food supply in the disaster-affected area of Tebing Tinggi City during the holy month of Ramadhan. Inspections were conducted not only at retail trader level in both traditional and modern markets, but also at distributor level in the same Tebing Tinggi area.

Various commodities were inspected, including vegetables, red chillies, shallots, dressed poultry, beef, eggs, rice, cooking oil, sugar, and other essential goods. Prices included dressed poultry at 35,500 rupiah per kilogramme, eggs at 27,000 rupiah per kg, beef at 130,000 rupiah per kg, and shallots and garlic at 35,000 rupiah per kg.

“Gambir Market in Tebing Tinggi is one of the markets affected by the disaster in late November 2025,” said Budi.

The Trade Minister stated that the central government, together with provincial and city governments, wishes to ensure that economic activity returns to normal. Budi also noted that a number of essential commodity prices remain relatively stable and do not exceed the maximum retail price.

Beyond inspecting commodity prices, Minister Budi took the opportunity to purchase goods from traders at Gambir Market in Tebing Tinggi, buying vegetables, poultry, eggs, rice and cooking oil to be distributed free of charge to local residents. Citizens in the vicinity enthusiastically received the assistance.

“I wish to thank the Tebing Tinggi City Government and North Sumatra Provincial Government for maintaining price stability and food stock availability during Ramadhan and Eid al-Fitr. Hopefully there will be no price increases,” he said.