National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo has reminded cooking oil distributors and vendors to follow the applicable rules and regulations, saying that firm action will be taken against any violations.

He said that the measure is a part of the police force’s efforts to assist the government in ensuring the availability of cooking oil in the market and keep its price stable.

“We have warned several of them, (there are business actors who are) repacking (cooking oil). Should this persist, we will take firm action,” he said during a press conference in Badung, Bali, on Friday.

The repacking of bulk cooking oil, which several businessmen are reportedly indulging in, is in violation of regulations because usually, the repackaged products are marketed at a price higher than the highest retail price set by the government.

“I urge everyone to comply with what is our shared commitment because this is what is important: bulk cooking oil, especially those in the market, (must be affordable) so that people no longer have difficulties,” Prabowo said after attending a business matching event for CPO producers and bulk cooking oil entrepreneurs.

The police force is currently monitoring cooking oil stocks at approximately 17 thousand traditional markets, he added.

“As of today, in approximately 10 thousand markets, bulk cooking oil is available on a regular basis. Some have it sent every day, some have it three times a week. Some are twice a week, and approximately 7 thousand (markets) once a week,” he informed.

Moreover, the police are supervising the sale and purchase of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) by farmers.

He again reminded business actors, especially exporters, to not inform of faux calculations that could harm farmers and the community.

“Currently, we continue to pay attention to the prices. The average price is Rp2,000, Rp2,100, up to Rp2,500. On the regional scope, it was already Rp2,550. We hope that all farmers can (sell it at) prices between Rp2,500 and Rp3,000. This is everyone’s expectation: for farmers to be prosperous, and for cooking oil to be available in the market,” he said during a press conference with Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

Source: Antara News