Rice prices up at Cipinang market

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)