Chili prices at Pasar Minggu Market, South Jakarta had soared to Rp 90,000/kg at the beginning of Ramadan. On Tuesday (3/28), it began to fall to around Rp 50,000/kg.

Chili prices starting today have dropped dramatically

Muhamad Lamijan (56), a vegetable seller in Block B, Floor 1 admitted that he did not know for sure the reason behind the drop in chili prices. However, it was allegedly triggered by abundant stocks and farmers' yields in the area which were quite good.

"Chili prices starting today have dropped dramatically and tend to normal prices," he said.

Currently, the price of red cayenne pepper is sold at Rp 50,000/kg from the previous Rp 70,000/kg. Even at the beginning of the fast, the price exceeded Rp 90,000/kg. Two days after fasting, the price dropped to Rp 80,000/kg.

Then red curly chili sold between Rp 30,000 to 35,000/kg from Rp 40,000/kg, green cayenne pepper Rp 40,000/kg from Rp 50,000/kg.

"During Ramadanthe, the turnover has decreased drastically. On normal days, sellers can sell up to 20 kg, now it's only a maximum of 10 kg and even then it's rare," he explained.

In contrast to chili, whose prices are starting to fall. The price of meat in Block C of Los Meat at Pasar Minggu Market continues to rise. Ari (42), a meat seller admitted that the previous price of beef was only Rp 100,000 to Rp 120,000/kg per, but now it has risen to Rp 130,000/kg. Ironically, this price hike has no impact on sales turnover, as there are not enough buyers.

"On normal days, sales can run out of up to three cows or the equivalent of six quintals of pure meat. But, during this fast, it decreased only about one tail only, even though we sell from 11 PM to 4 PM," he admitted.

Meanwhile, Irwan (49), a rice seller stated the current price of rice is still normal. For instance, rice IR-I (64) currently costs Rp 12,500/kg.

Then rice IR II (64) Rp 12,000/kg, rice IR III (64) Rp 11,500/kg, rice appears I Rp 13,000/kg, Setra I rice Rp 13,500/kg, and IR 42 rice Rp 17,000/kg.

"Until now, the price of rice is still normal and the buyers are also normal considering rice is a basic need," he closed.