Minyakita Scarce in Markets, Zulhas: Everyone is Buying It

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, also known as Zulhas, has revealed why the Minyakita brand cooking oil is scarce in traditional markets. Zulhas explained that Minyakita should be sold in traditional markets because it is essentially bulk oil. Initially, the bulk oil was repackaged with a better and more attractive appearance. After repackaging, interest surged. Even supermarkets began selling Minyakita. According to Zulhas, this should not have happened because Minyakita is meant for traditional markets, not modern retail. Additionally, due to its strong sales, Minyakita supplies have become limited. “But now everyone is buying it, so of course it’s in short supply if everyone buys Minyakita. But there is premium oil, there are other brands, the difference isn’t much either. If Minyakita is Rp16,000, the others are usually Rp17,000 or so,” he clarified. Rizal explained that Minyakita stocks are adequate and able to meet public needs. “We ensure that Minyakita is available and sold at prices that remain affordable for the public. Currently, the price is monitored in line with the highest retail price (HET) at Rp15,700 per litre,” he stated. “We see an increase in demand, so we have taken anticipatory steps by proposing additional supplies. The aim is so that the public does not have difficulty obtaining Minyakita,” he added. Nevertheless, Bulog and the government continue to monitor the public’s essential food needs, including the availability of Minyakita.