Prolonged Drought Sends Rice Prices Soaring to Rp 900,000 per Sack in Gorontalo

The extended dry season since March 2026 has triggered harvest failures in several key rice-producing areas, significantly impacting prices at the Central Market in Gorontalo City, Gorontalo Province. Rice trader Hasna stated on Friday that prices have risen sharply in recent months due to reduced supply from drought-affected producing regions. “Since March, the long drought has caused widespread harvest failures, which is why prices have soared,” Hasna explained. She noted that the price of a 50-kilogramme sack of rice, previously around Rp 650,000, has now climbed to between Rp 800,000 and Rp 900,000, depending on the type and quality. The price increases have been gradual as harvest yields from supplier areas have become increasingly limited. The situation has made it difficult for traders to secure sufficient stock to meet public demand. Fellow rice trader Anton said most of the traded rice supply originates from the Tolai region in Central Sulawesi Province. However, as production there has declined due to harvest failures, traders have been forced to seek supplies from other areas to meet market needs. “If supply from that region is lacking, we source from elsewhere, especially during a harvest failure like now,” Anton said. He added that efforts to find alternative supplies have driven up distribution and procurement costs, which in turn affect retail prices. Anton noted that consumer demand for rice remains relatively stable despite the price increases, as rice is a staple necessity, leaving consumers with little choice but to continue purchasing according to their daily needs. Shopper Aldi Hapili, a student living away from home, said the rising rice prices are beginning to strain his daily expenses, forcing him to readjust his budget to ensure his food needs are still met. “We still buy it because it is a staple, but now we have to be more frugal in managing our spending,” Aldi said.