Minister Zulkifli Hasan Explains Reasons for Minyakita Shortage

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, or Zulhas, has responded to the phenomenon of Minyakita stock shortages, which have recently been complained about by the public in various regions. He explained that Minyakita, which is a packaged version of bulk oil, is essentially intended to meet needs in traditional markets at affordable prices. However, a massive shift in consumption has occurred, with more sections of society seeking out Minyakita, even extending to supermarkets or modern retail outlets. “Minyakita is actually for traditional markets. But now everyone is buying it, including in supermarkets, so naturally the stock becomes limited,” said Zulhas in Yogyakarta on Thursday, 16 April 2026. According to him, modern retail should be dominated by premium cooking oil brands with their own consumer base. He noted that the price difference between Minyakita and premium cooking oil brands is actually quite slim, starting from Rp 16,000 to Rp 17,000 for the premium category. Nevertheless, Zulhas assured that the national availability of cooking oil remains adequate. However, he provided a special note for the subsidised brand. As a forward-looking anticipatory step, the government will refocus Minyakita distribution exclusively to traditional markets to ensure its availability for the most needy segments of society. Zulhas stated that cooking oil in general is sufficiently available, but Minyakita availability will be prioritised in people’s markets. Previously, Bulog President Director Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani instructed all his regional subordinates to immediately take preventive measures. On Monday, 13 April 2026, Rizal emphasised the importance of implementing market operations to curb the price fluctuations of Minyakita, which have started exceeding the Highest Retail Price (HET) of Rp 15,700 per litre. These efforts follow a national evaluation highlighting public complaints regarding the instability of food prices in the field.