Oil Palm Prices Stagnant

By Imam Hanafi

Kotabaru, 14/6 (Antaranews) - Price of fresh fruit bunches (TBS) from nongovernmental oil palm plantations in Kotabaru stagnant  lately at around Rp750 - 1,200 per kilogram.

Soleh, a Kelumpang smallholders in the South, in Kotabaru on Friday, said the price of TBS harvest several times still at Rp750 per kg. 

"But if in our area at Cantung, Kelumpang Hulu, TBS price is about Rp1,200 per kilogram," said Akhmad Nurul, other farmers.

Soleh explained, the price difference in South Kelumpang and in Cantung, due to the distance the purchase of TBS with Palm Oil Mill (MCC). The closer to the company, the price will be higher. Otherwise the TBS will be far more affordable price.

According to smallholder in Kelumpang Hulu, Abu Bakr, beside distance, TBS price also influenced by the palm oil tree age. The older the palm tree, the better the quality of TBS, and the price is also higher when compared with the oil less than five years.

Abu Bakr added, TBS pricing is not solely performed by merchants, but by the government and other relevant agencies.

Previously, a trader Narso, explained, rise and fall of prices in the MCC because of TBS influx from Eastern Kalimantan sold in Kotabaru or Tanah Bumbu.