Trade Minister Explains Causes of Rising Average Cooking Oil Prices

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Trade Minister Budi Santoso explained that the trend of rising average cooking oil prices, which had exceeded Rp19,000, was influenced by increases in crude palm oil (CPO) prices and distribution costs.

“If we look at it (the average), it is indeed (rising) like that because of premium oil, and then outside of Minyakita (also counted). It certainly adjusts to the current rising CPO price. Then there are distribution costs and so on,” he said while inspecting food prices and supplies at Palmerah Market, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Previously, in the Regional Inflation Control Coordination Meeting for 2026 held by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that the accumulated average price of cooking oil of all qualities, namely bulk, premium, and Minyakita, reached Rp19,648 per litre in the fourth week of April 2026.

That data shows that the general price of cooking oil rose by 1.50 percent compared to March 2026.

In that presentation, the highest cooking oil price was recorded in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua, at Rp60,000 per litre, while the lowest price was in Puncak Jaya Regency at Rp42,500 per litre.

According to the Trade Minister, the trend of rising average cooking oil prices follows developments in raw material prices and distribution costs.

He assessed that cooking oil prices could decrease again if raw material and distribution conditions return to normal.

“Hopefully, if everything returns to normal, the price (of average cooking oil) will also decrease. Because the CPO price is indeed rising,” said Budi.

Meanwhile, the national average price of Minyakita was recorded at Rp15,865 per litre, or down 0.31 percent compared to the previous day.

Budi said the government continues to monitor developments in cooking oil prices, including the distribution of Minyakita as a price stabilisation instrument.

“Minyakita is an instrument for price stabilisation. Its function is to balance so that other prices do not rise,” he stated.