Ahead of Eid al-Fitr, Prices of Some Basic Commodities Fall

As of Lebaran 2017, the prices of several staple goods have decreased over the past month. According to the Strategic Food Price Information Center (PIHPS), the average price of red chili peppers saw the sharpest decline, dropping 19.94 percent to Rp 43,350 per kg on June 16, 2016, compared to May 16. Similarly, the price of curly red chilies decreased by 16.38 percent to Rp 27,050 per kg. Garlic prices also fell significantly, dropping 10.12 percent to Rp 47,500 per kg.

Meanwhile, some staple goods experienced price increases. The price of bulk cooking oil rose by Rp 12,400 per kg on June 16, 2016, compared to May 16. Similarly, the price of beef increased by 2.98 percent to Rp 117,450 per kg.

Despite some variations, the average price of staple goods during Ramadan and Lebaran 2017 was more controlled. Government efforts to control prices, through the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture, and Bulog (Indonesia's state-owned food logistics agency), resulted in relatively stable food prices this year. The price setting of several commodities in modern retail markets and market operations conducted by Bulog also helped to suppress price increases.