Sleman Traders Baffled as Plastic Prices Skyrocket Due to War
The conflict in the Middle East is beginning to have a direct impact on local markets. The rise in plastic prices is also being felt in Sleman Regency, leading traders to impose additional charges for plastic bags.
“The increase is for the clear plastic, the 10-kilo size for laundry. The hike can reach up to 70%. Some that were Rp 28,000 have risen to over Rp 40,000,” said one plastic trader at Cebongan Market, Wita (52), when met by reporters at her stall on Tuesday (7/4/2026).
Based on the information she received, this price surge is triggered by disruptions in the supply of oil-based plastic raw materials, causing distribution to falter as well.
“The increase has been felt since the war started. Yes, plastic materials are from oil. And the oil there (in Iran) is blocked. That’s what they say the issue is,” she stated.
Traders are now facing a dilemma between raising selling prices or bearing the losses. Moreover, plastic product prices are expected to continue rising in the future.
“From the sales reps, they say it’s going to rise again. They say it will keep increasing,” she added.
She gave an example of clear plastic in 1-kilogram size, which used to sell for Rp 3,500 and is now Rp 7,000, a 100% increase. Other plastic products like greaseproof paper and plastic cups for drinks have also seen price hikes.
“Basically, everything related to plastic has increased. But the most noticeable is this clear packaging plastic,” she said.
The situation becomes more complicated when customers shop at her stall without bringing a bag. She is forced to charge extra for plastic bags starting at Rp 500, even though it leads to complaints. Therefore, she now advises customers to bring their own shopping bags.
“Well, customers complain, but what can be done. This large plastic is Rp 50,000 for 50 pieces—it’s impossible to give them for free,” she remarked.
Portions Reduced
The impact of rising plastic prices is also felt by MSME actors. Utik Sutyani, a seller of jadah tempe in Kaliurang, said that long before plastic prices soared, she had already faced increases in raw materials for making jadah.
“Sticky rice is now Rp 23,000 per kilo, a huge increase. Plastic has also risen; the white plastic that used to be Rp 6,000 is now Rp 8,000,” said Utik.
Even though prices are rising, she has not yet passed on the additional cost of plastic bags to customers.
“If I buy, I already provide the plastic,” she said.
Dwi Supriyanto (34), an angkringan seller in Ngemplak, feels the same. He admitted that since before Eid, plastic prices had already started to surge.
“It started rising before Eid. Not just rising, but changing prices,” said Supri.
He mentioned that although plastic is becoming expensive, he has not raised the prices of his goods. However, he has had to adjust the portions. Supri hopes that prices will stabilise soon.
“It affects a lot; kresek bags that used to be Rp 7,000 are now Rp 12,000. Now the rice portions are slightly reduced. If I raise prices, no one will buy,” he concluded.