Rice prices up at Cipinang market

Rice prices at the Cipinang Wholesale Market, East Jakarta, have escalated consistently since early this month as drought continues in production areas.

Syafei, a rice seller at the central market, said yesterday prices had increased from Rp 350 to Rp 400 per kilogram.

The prices are soaring in Jakarta markets due to the extended dry season which has brought drought to Karawang and Cirebon, Jakarta's largest rice suppliers, Wiryo Martono, the director of the Cipinang Food Station, who also manages the wholesale market, said yesterday.

The municipal logistics agency, Dolog Jaya, has been asked to monitor rice prices and to intervene by releasing stocks whenever necessary, Martono said.

Despite the steady increases, Martono said he was sure that price levels could be controlled because the present stock of rice at Dolog Jaya, when released onto the market, would be able to cover the needs of Jakarta residents.

Jakartans consume an average of 1,500 tons of rice per day. (arf)