0 Bad weather affects food prices

The torrential rains that have been occurring in Bali during the last couple of weeks have caused the prices of staple foods to increase. A number of people shopping at Sanglah traditional market said they were surprised at the skyrocketing prices of some commodities, including chicken, vegetables and spices. The price of chicken has increased from Rp 25,000 to Rp 30,000 (US$2.58-3.10) per kilogram. Vegetable prices have also gone up, or they are only available in reduced amounts. 

The price of cayenne has increased from Rp 18,000 to Rp 26,000 per kilogram; red pepper from Rp 10,000 to Rp 15,000; tomato from Rp 4,000 to Rp 8,000; garlic from Rp 15,000 to Rp 22,000; and onion from Rp 18,000 to Rp 25,000. “The prices keep rising. I have no choice other than to sell the items more expensively,” said Nurul, a seller at the market. She said the rising prices were due to bad weather that affected farming and distribution services. 

Wayan Kerti, a fish seller, said that the price of fresh fish at the market had increased by Rp 5,000 per kg, due to the rough seas that prevented fishermen from going out fishing, thus causing depleting supplies of fish at local markets. Customers were also complaining about the situation. “The prices have increased so fast and so significantly. We have no choice other than to spend more money,” said Ni Made Armi, who shops at Sanglah market every day. On the other hand, food stall owners could not abruptly increase their prices and could only outsmart the conditions by reducing portion sizes. 

Head of the Industry and Trade Agency, I Wayan Gatra, said that the price increases were still at normal levels. He said the agency regularly monitored conditions by conducting inspections at traditional markets, shopping centers and distributors. He agreed that the price hikes were the result of the bad weather that had hampered distribution at seaports due to high waves. Bali still relies on Java for the supply of some of its food commodities. The rough seas have forced the operator of Gilimanuk port, which connects both islands, to halt crossings. 

“The activities of farmers and fishermen have also been heavily affected by the weather. Crops rot in the wet season and fisher-men can’t go to sea due to high waves.” He was sure that the stock of commodities was still sufficient to meet customer demand. He also called on the public not to stockpile commodities because it could cause further price increases.

source : bali daily