Villagers riot over the price of fertilizer

BLORA, Central Java: A shop belonging to a fertilizer trader here was ransacked and looted while his two trucks were set ablaze on Sunday night by a mob of angry villagers, Antara reported.

No casualties were reported, and the quick response of local fire brigades kept the fire from spreading to nearby houses.

Losses were estimated at Rp 100 million (US$14,000).

Scores of security officers led by Blora police chief Lt. Col. Guritno Sigit and military chief Lt. Col. Gunawan were deployed to the area.

The vandalized shop, which also functioned as a fertilizer storehouse, on Jl. Mr. Iskandar is owned by trader Edy Kosasih.

The mob vented their anger after a number of them -- mostly farmers -- were offended that morning by Edy's rude response to their complaints over skyrocketing fertilizer prices.

"Take it or leave it," Edy was quoted as saying to a villager trying to bargain over the price.

Locals have complained about the scarcity of fertilizer and the high prices. The government plans to cut subsidies on fertilizers next year, and prices are expected to soar even higher.