Rice supply drops but prices stable

JAKARTA: The daily rice supply to Cipinang central market in East Jakarta slightly decreased on Monday from the usual amount of 2,000 tons to 1,800 tons, but prices remained stable.

The market head, Nasion Bhaktiono, said that the decline was normal during this time as some rice-producing areas in West and Central Java were experiencing what he called the post-harvest season.

The rice stock could still fulfill consumer demand although the demand for rice increases ahead of the Muslim fasting month, Idul Fitri and the New Year, when the demand for all staple foods rises, he said, as quoted by Antara.

The decrease in rice supply, which started early this month, was expected to last until the fasting month next month, he added.

Despite the supply drop and growing demand, the rice price was still stable. The price of Cianjur Kepala, for example, was stable at Rp 3,800 (40 US cents) per kilogram, Cianjur Slip at Rp 3,150 and Saigon Bandung at Rp 2,700 per kilogram.

Cipinang market gets 70 percent of its total rice supply from the northern coastal areas in West and Central Java. -JP.