Jakarta (ANTARA) - Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi has ensured that basic necessities for the fasting month of Ramadhan will be available at stable prices, thereby circumventing the need for imports.
"I can ensure that during Ramadhan this year, the price of basic necessities would be stable and affordable. There is a possibility of the price declining, as we have entered the harvest period," Lutfi remarked during a visit to the Kramat Jati wholesale market here on Wednesday.
The minister monitored the prices and supply of basic necessities at the wholesale market that can serve as a reference for consumers in the retail market.
"I have checked the availability at the Kramat Jati wholesale market. As we can see, the prices of all goods are stable and tend to decline," the minister stated.
The price of shallots is stable in a range of Rp18 thousand to Rp21 thousand per kilogram (kg), while the price of chili declined, from Rp100 thousand to Rp70 thousand per kg.
"With the incoming harvest, the price might continue to decline," he noted.
The price of garlic stood at Rp18 thousand to Rp21 thousand per kg and reached Rp32 thousand to Rp35 thousand per kg.
Lutfi made assurance that the government will not import the commodities since domestic supply could meet the demand.
"I think all the commodities are available. I observed that the price of premium quality rice is stable. The local supply is adequate to meet the demand. Hence, we do not need to import," the minister remarked.
Related news: Sail Tidore to boost economic development in North Maluku: Lutfi
Related news: Trade Minister optimistic of 4% export growth this year
EDITED BY INE
