Plastic Becomes Scarce and Prices Soar, Traders Reveal the Underlying Issues

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Traders have revealed the reasons behind the persistently high prices of plastic at Pasar Kramat Jati in East Jakarta on Monday (6/4/2026). One of them, Sardin, noted that price increases for several types of plastic occurred before Eid al-Fitr 2026, specifically a week prior to the holiday. “Yes, it started rising a week before Eid, but at that time, the increases weren’t too significant, around Rp2,000-Rp5,000,” said Sardin when met by CNBC Indonesia on Monday (6/4/2026). However, on the day of Eid itself, the rises accelerated, with some plastic products doubling in price. “Actually, a week before Eid, it was already starting to rise, but slowly. Then on the holiday, it went crazy, with some doubling,” he continued. Two weeks after Eid, plastic prices have not fallen, due to limited stock from manufacturers. He explained that the plastic sold in Indonesia is mostly imported, making prices hard to control. “From the manufacturers, clear plastic and plastic bags aren’t being sent in large quantities, stock is limited, probably because most raw materials, the plastic pellets, are imported, so it’s difficult due to the ongoing war,” he added. Echoing Sardin, Jamal also stated that plastic price increases happened a week before Eid and prices have yet to decline. “The plastic price rise happened a week before Eid, perhaps also due to the war over there in the Arab region,” said Jamal. He also complained about the difficulty in obtaining supplies from manufacturers, where quantities are now limited and prices have had to be raised accordingly. “From manufacturers, stock is limited, impacting prices, so we have no choice but to raise them,” he said. The impact is felt by their regular customers, who used to buy in large quantities but now purchase less. “Yes, because prices are up, customers have no choice but to reduce purchases; what used to be 10 packs is now only 5,” he explained.