Traders Complain About Surging Plastic and Thinwall Prices Ahead of Eid, Protested by Buyers

Traders at Pasar Bukit Duri in South Jakarta are complaining about the surging prices of plastic products ahead of Eid 2026. One of them, Eci (50), who has been trading various types of plastic in this market since 1998, stated, “It’s true that there has been an increase (in plastic prices); it started rising from mid-Ramadan.” Eci said this when interviewed by Kompas.com at the location on Wednesday (18/3/2026). “Thinwall has increased by Rp 2,000 - 3,000 per pack. Previously Rp 27,000, now Rp 30,000,” she said. Meanwhile, white Polo brand plastic bags have gone from Rp 12,000 to Rp 15,000 per pack. Eci has no choice but to raise the prices of her plastic goods because her procurement costs have also increased. Another plastic trader, Bintang (19), also admitted that the prices of his goods have risen. “Thinwall size 750 ml is now Rp 55,000 for 25 pieces. Usually only Rp 35,000-40,000,” he said. The price of white Polo brand plastic bags has also increased at his stall, from the usual Rp 13,000 to Rp 16,000 now. The price increase in plastics has led to many protests from buyers. However, if the prices are not raised, the traders will not make a profit, because their purchases are already expensive. In fact, one petrochemical producer has declared force majeure, or an act of God, and is unable to fulfil contracts. The rise in plastic raw material prices is certainly not unrelated to the US-Israel war with Iran, which has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s vital maritime shipping routes.