Rice Not Scarce, Traders Only Struggling Due to This Issue

Rice prices in grocery stores across East Jakarta have recently experienced movement. Traders noted that while price increases have occurred, the situation has not caused rice stocks to disappear from the market.

Price changes have occurred in both bulk purchases and retail sales. Traders subsequently follow price developments from agents and distributors to determine the selling price to consumers.

“Rice is usually Rp730,000 to Rp740,000. It varies,” said Sodiq, a grocery trader in East Jakarta.

However, he admitted that he has never received fortified rice varieties. “So far, my distributor has never provided rice like that; we only get the regular type,” he told CNBC Indonesia on Monday (29/09/2026).

These price movements do not move in a single direction. Prices may increase and then drop again after some time, requiring traders to make periodic adjustments.

“It is usually just a cycle; sometimes it goes up, and not long after, it goes down. That is why we also adjust,” said Ardi, another grocery trader in East Jakarta.

At the retail level, changes in purchase prices are subsequently felt by consumers. Rice that was previously sold at a certain price may undergo adjustments when distributor prices increase.

“Sometimes we sell at Rp13,000 per litre, but if prices rise, we have no choice but to increase it to Rp14,000 per litre,” said Ardi.

One type of rice experiencing price changes is Pandan Wangi Cianjur. The price per sack, which was previously below Rp800,000, recently touched the Rp800,000 mark.

Increases have also ranged between tens of thousands of rupiah per sack. Nevertheless, this condition has not caused supplies to halt, as traders can still procure goods from suppliers.

“Pandan Wangi Cianjur rice per sack was previously below Rp800,000, but yesterday it rose to Rp800,000,” said Ardi.

For traders, the main issue at present is not finding rice, but rather following price changes to ensure shop prices remain aligned with market conditions. Supply remains available and can be reordered whenever stocks run low.

“The supply is always there; it never runs out. Usually, when we request it from the distributor, it is always available,” Ardi added.