Lombok Zone – As Ramadan approaches in 2026, the Mataram City Government, through its Trade Office (Disdag), is urging citizens to avoid panic buying. This advisory comes in light of rising prices for essential goods in local markets, particularly chili peppers, which have surged to Rp170,000 per kilogram.
Irwan Harimansyah, the head of Disdag Mataram, reassured residents that the supply of basic goods remains stable and adequate.
“We encourage the community to shop based on their actual needs and resist the urge to over-purchase. The recent price hikes are still subject to fluctuations,” he stated on Monday, February 23, 2026.
According to Harimansyah, the sharp increase in chili prices is primarily due to high demand not being met by local supply in Mataram. Although there are sufficient stocks from surrounding areas, such as West Lombok and East Lombok, distribution has not been optimized.
“We are planning to bring in additional supplies from producing regions outside of NTB, including Bali and Java,” he added.
In addition to chili peppers, other commodities have also seen price increases. Beef is now priced between Rp145,000 and Rp150,000 per kilogram, up from the normal range of Rp125,000 to Rp135,000. Chicken prices have risen to Rp42,000–Rp44,000 per kilogram, while the price of medium-sized eggs has gone from Rp58,000 to Rp60,000 per tray. On the other hand, the prices for large and curly chili peppers have remained stable at around Rp30,000 per kilogram.
To curb further price hikes that could strain consumers, the Disdag of Mataram is enhancing coordination with the Provincial Trade Office, Bulog, Bank Indonesia, distributors, and the Food Task Force.
“The government is also preparing for community markets, affordable markets, and the Cheap Food Movement (GPM) as intervention measures to ensure that the prices and supply of essential goods remain controlled throughout Ramadan,” he explained.
