Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – As in several other areas, in Malang City in the past week the price of cayenne pepper has crept up. If previously cayenne pepper was sold for Rp40 thousand to Rp60 thousand per kilogram, now the price has reached Rp80 thousand per kilogram.
However, this condition does not cause a shortage of cayenne pepper in the market, but has an impact on traders' sales which have fallen by up to 50 percent.
This was stated by one of the traders at the Klojen traditional market, Suyatmi when met on Friday, (24/2/2023). According to her, the increase in the price of chilies was likely caused by bad weather which had an impact on the agricultural sector. However, this middle-aged woman denied that the increase in prices was due to the approaching moment of the month of Ramadan.
Because, even though it is approaching a national holiday or a religious holiday, sometimes the price of necessities is stable and even goes down. "So conditions like this cannot be used as a benchmark, because everything depends on market conditions," he added.
The increase in the price of cayenne pepper is also felt by residents. As conveyed by Diana Novita Hariani while shopping at the Klojen market. She admitted that she had to reduce the purchase of cayenne pepper so that other needs such as tofu and tempeh could be purchased every day.
In addition to cayenne pepper, large chilies have also increased, from IDR 40 thousand per kilogram to IDR 60 thousand per kilogram. Premium rice has also increased, which was originally sold for IDR 50 thousand per five kilograms, now to IDR 65 thousand. Meanwhile, cooking oil brand Minyakita is still stable. Each liter is pegged at IDR 13 thousand to IDR 14 thousand.
Responding to this condition, Young Trade Analyst of the Cooperatives, Industry and Trade Service (Diskopindag) of Malang City, Luh Putu Eka Wilantari when contacted via his cellphone appealed to the public not to be anxious. His party will conduct market operations if needed at any time to stabilize prices.
"The price of cayenne pepper in the traditional market today has indeed increased slightly due to the high rainfall in Malang City in the past few days, and the main harvest has also finished. But the availability of stock in the market is still safe," he concluded. (say/yon)
