Tangsel City Government Enlists Police Food Task Force to Monitor MinyaKita Oil Prices at Distributors

TANGSEL – The Tangsel City Government has enlisted the Police Food Task Force to monitor MinyaKita cooking oil prices at distributor level. This follows complaints from traders in Tangsel’s traditional markets who reported MinyaKita prices reaching Rp22,000 per litre.

“We have the Food Task Force conducting surprise inspections at distributors twice a month. Monitoring isn’t limited to markets but also includes distributors,” said Appgraid Purwanto, Secretary of the Tangsel Industry and Trade Department, at Pasar 8 Alam Sutera on Monday.

However, if violations persist, the case will be referred to law enforcement authorities. “If the distributor is at fault, we issue a warning; if not, we hand it over to the Police Food Task Force,” he added.

To prevent unfair distribution practices, Tangsel City Government has also prepared a direct distribution scheme from Bulog to traders. This scheme aims to shorten the distribution chain, which is believed to contribute to higher market prices. Under the scheme, traders with a business registration number (NIB) can order MinyaKita directly from Bulog without intermediaries.

According to Appgraid, around 40 shops in Tangsel have already joined the distribution scheme and it will be gradually expanded. “It will be expanded across all of Tangsel. Traders can register directly and receive deliveries from Bulog,” he added.

Previously reported, the subsidized MinyaKita cooking oil price in Tangsel’s traditional markets reached Rp22,000 per litre, exceeding the government-set maximum retail price (HET) of Rp17,500 per litre. This situation has been complained about by traders, as the high prices make it difficult to sell MinyaKita at the HET.

A Ciputat Market trader, Fatimah (not her real name), said MinyaKita prices from distributors were Rp245,000 per box containing 12 packs. She said the prices make it difficult for traders to sell MinyaKita. Because they cannot make a profit without raising prices for consumers. “If you want to make a profit, it’s about Rp10,000. But the price has gone from Rp174,000 to Rp245,000 – figure out the selling price yourself,” she said.