Vendors Sell Minyakita at Higher Price because of Scarcity
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4 February 2023 02:35 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Government-produced cooking oil Minyakita, is becoming harder and harder to find in Depok, West Java. Any remaining stock of cooking oil is being sold at more expensive than the highest retail price determined by the government, which is Rp14,000.
Lina Vindiyawati, a shop owner in Depok Jaya Market said that she sells Minyakita at a price of Rp16,000 because it is hard to find more stock.
"One box of 12 1-liter packs now costs Rp170,000," Lina said on Friday, February 3, 2023.
Lina said that she had been selling Minyakita for two months. However, she cannot sell it at a price recommended by the government because she will not gain profits. "Well, if a buyer bargained for Rp15,000, we sold it anyway," Lina explained.
Meanwhile, Toko Tomo, a store also in Depok, had not been selling the cooking oil for two weeks. "Since early January, it is hard [to get stocks]. One store is only provided with one or two [packs], no more than that," said Putri, who runs the store.
Putri explained that she can get more stocks, but the price offered is more expensive and she refused to sell the oil above the highest retail price determined by the government. "We sell it according to the highest retail price, exactly as it is stated in the packaging," Putri said.
Putri added that consumers prefers to buy Minyakita because it is cheaper compared to other brands and the quality is similar with other brands. "If there is one box, it will immediately sell out," Putri said.
Another vendor, Wasroni, said that he has been selling Minyakita at a price of Rp15,500 per liter, and Rp31,000 for a 2-liter pack. "The goods are scarce, one box cost Rp178,000. Whereas, many people are looking for it and it quickly sold out. What's available now are leftovers we misplaced earlier," Roni explained.
RICKY JULIANSYAH
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