Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Red chili price in traditional markets in Kotabaru District, South Kalimantan, in recent days has increased by about 23 percent from IDR65,000 to IDR80,000 per kilogram.
"The increase has (actually) started a few weeks ago not only chili other basic necessities' price also have increased," said Susanty, a Kotabaru resident, Sunday.
The mother of four said she was shocked when shopping at a daily need market the price of some foodstuffs were increased.
"Not only chili price that increased to IDR80,000 per kg, but shallot that previously IDR28,000 per kg has risen to IDR36,000," she said.
Meanwhile, price of cooking oil, garlic, eggs, sugar, wheat flour, rice, and milk have also risen but not significantly. It was in contrast with vegetables, such as tomatoes, carrot, potatoes, beans, and peanuts.
Sumiaty, a housewife, also said she was suprised when she bought eggs at the Kemakmuran Main Market in Kotabaru.
According to some merchants, the increase in chili price because the price of the supply from Sulawesi and Surabaya has also increased due to fuel price hike.
"Most of vegetables that we sell are brought from outside Kotabaru, including Sulawesi and Surabaya," said some traders at Kotabaru morning market.
Residents hope that the increased prices could be lowered as they are now facing downturn in economy.
