Zulhas on Surging Minyakita Prices: Cause Identified

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan stated that the rise in Minyakita prices is due to the thinning supply of the commodity in the market. The limited supply of Minyakita occurred, he said, because the affordable cooking oil was distributed as food assistance. “We’ve identified the reason for the increase. It’s because of the food assistance for 33 million people for two months at 2 litres each. That’s a huge amount, shifting supply from traditional markets to food assistance,” said Zulhas at Graha Mandiri, Jakarta on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. To address the price increase due to supply limitations, the government will add supply from cooking oil originating from the domestic obligation market (DMO) of palm oil exporters. In addition, he has instructed Perum Bulog to use cooking oil other than Minyakita at the same price for distributing food assistance. “So as not to disrupt the Minyakita available in traditional markets,” said the PAN politician. Meanwhile, Trade Minister Budi Santoso stated he will meet with cooking oil producers to discuss plans for distributing food assistance using cooking oil other than Minyakita. “We’ll find solutions for the food assistance. There can be various options later,” said Budi. Data from the Ministry of Trade shows that Minyakita prices were at Rp15,926 per litre on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. Although down 0.1 percent from the previous day, Minyakita prices still exceed the highest retail price (HET) set at Rp15,700 per litre.