Minyakita Scarcity Prompts Trade Ministry to Shift Aid to Other Brands
Minyakita supply will be focused on traditional markets, while the official ceiling price stays at Rp15.700 per liter despite Rp18.000 in Pasar Minggu.
The Trade Ministry is preparing steps to curb Minyakita shortages in traditional markets by shifting cooking oil for the food aid program to other brands. Trade Minister Budi Santoso also urged stronger distribution through state-owned food firms such as Bulog and ID Food, and encouraged producers to add second-brand cooking oil as an alternative to Minyakita. The move comes after shortages were reported in several markets, including Pasar Senen and Pasar Minggu in Jakarta. In Pasar Minggu, traders said Minyakita is hard to find and, when available, costs around Rp18.000 per liter. Even so, the government has not changed Minyakita's highest retail price, which remains Rp15.700 per liter.