NTT Deputy Governor's Surprise Inspection: Cooking Oil Prices Rise, 12 kg LPG Scarce in Kupang

The Deputy Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Johni Asadoma, found increases in cooking oil prices and shortages of 12 kg LPG during a surprise inspection (sidak) at several shopping centres in Kupang City on Friday (10/4/2026). The inspection was conducted at Hypermart in the PU Roundabout area and MTM Mart on Jalan Frans Lebu Raya to check the impact of global economic turbulence on food prices and availability. In his statement, Johni said that staple goods prices in general remained relatively stable, although there were increases in some commodities. “We checked directly at several supermarkets to see the price increases in staples due to the impact of the global economy. For now, it’s still stable, although there is a slight increase,” he said. He explained that cooking oil prices had risen by around Rp 4,000 per litre. “Cooking oil has increased by around Rp 4,000 per litre. Then SPHP rice is still empty, no deliveries from Java yet,” Johni clarified. In addition, Stabilisation of Food Supply and Price Programme (SPHP) rice was observed to be out of stock because there had been no supplies from outside the region, particularly Java Island. Meanwhile, prices for cut chicken remained in the normal range. “This increase is due to shortages. If supplies from producers return to normal, prices will definitely drop,” he said. Supply Dependence Johni highlighted the high dependence of NTT on food supplies from outside the region. Currently, around 80 percent of needs are still sourced from outside, while local production is only about 20 percent. “Meat, eggs, vegetables, and even rice are still largely brought in from outside. This makes us vulnerable to price increases,” he explained. According to him, strengthening the agricultural sector and food security is key to reducing this dependence. “If we have strong local production, we won’t depend on external supplies. Local products will definitely be cheaper because there are no transportation costs and they are always available,” Johni stressed. He also mentioned the impact of global conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war on food distribution and prices. “If we can reduce dependence from 80 percent to 20 percent, our economy will be much stronger,” he said. 12 kg LPG Out of Stock and Rising In the inspection, stocks of 12 kg LPG at MTM Mart were found to be depleted. Over the past two weeks, market prices were said to have risen significantly. “Based on information from staff, in the last two weeks, the price of 12 kg LPG in the market has experienced a significant increase, ranging from Rp 350,000 to Rp 380,000 per cylinder,” he elaborated. Nevertheless, MTM Mart was still selling at Rp 285,000 per cylinder. This increase and shortage are suspected to be triggered by rising demand for the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG), reducing supplies for households. Johni advised that MBG operations use 50 kg LPG. “This step is expected to maintain the availability of 12 kg LPG for the public, especially household consumers,” he emphasised.