Prices of onions and tobacco rise as market conditions depict hardship

Medan, 15 May 1953 (ANTARA) - The purchasing power of Medan’s population as Ramadan approaches this year is not as strong as last year. According to traders, this is due to money difficulties among residents at present, especially caused by the very low rubber prices at this time. Market conditions in recent days appear similar to ordinary days. Only meat sales are somewhat livelier than usual. In general, prices of raw materials for daily needs in the days approaching Ramadan do not rise. For example, beef prices remain between Rp. 10.- and Rp. 15.- per kg. Rice prices between Rp. 2.30 and Rp. 2.60 per kg. The prices that have risen somewhat are coconuts, tobacco and onions. Coconuts are sold by traders at Rp. 1.25 per bidji, previously Rp. 1.-. Tobacco rose from Rp. 2.- to Rp. 3.50 per kg; similarly with onion prices. But according to merchants of foreign origin, the high prices of onions and tobacco will not be sustainable for long and will fall again after Ramadan begins.