Trade Minister Confirms Stability of Basic Commodity Prices in Sleman Market

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Trade has confirmed that the prices of basic commodity items at Potrojayan Market, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), are relatively stable.

Minister of Trade Budi Santoso stated that he, along with officials from the Sleman Regency Government and market management, conducted a direct inspection of basic commodity prices at the market.

“Looking at it earlier, SPHP (Food Supply and Price Stabilisation) rice is normal. Shallots are also normal,” he said after touring Potrojayan Market, Sleman, on Monday.

He noted that shallot prices vary but remain within the reference price or Maximum Retail Price (HET) of Rp32,000 to Rp35,000 per kilogram.

“Shallots were priced at both Rp32,000 and Rp35,000 per kilo, whereas the reference price is Rp39,000,” he said.

According to him, other commodities such as large chillies are also relatively stable at Rp50,000 per kilogram, which is below the reference price of Rp55,000.

However, he continued, the price of bird’s eye chillies at Potrojayan Market tends to be higher than the reference price.

“Bird’s eye chillies did rise slightly, reaching Rp70,000 per kilogram from the reference price, which should be Rp57,000,” he said.

He also mentioned that the price of eggs stands at Rp26,000 per kilogram against a reference price of Rp27,000, and chicken meat is at Rp38,000 against a reference price of Rp40,000 per kilogram.

“Chicken was Rp38,000 per kilo, with a reference price of Rp40,000. So, the price is still good and is approaching the Maximum Retail Price (HET),” he said.

He explained that the concept of the HET aims to align prices appropriately between producers or sellers and consumers or buyers.

“If the price is too low, it is unfortunate for the producers, but if the price is above the HET, it is also not good for consumers,” he said.

He urged traders to adjust basic commodity prices in accordance with the HET so as not to disadvantage consumers, while also ensuring the welfare of farmers and livestock breeders.

“Therefore, prices must be fair; consumers must not be disadvantaged, but prices should not be too low because production costs are also high. This ensures that, for example, egg or chicken breeders can continue to run their businesses,” he said.