Fajar Pebrianto, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo rebutted issues of shortage in government-branded cooking oil Minyakita in traditional markets. According to him, there are many stocks available.

"I checked yesterday that [the commodity] is available at many markets," the President said after visiting Pasar Minggu in South Jakarta, Thursday, April 13.

He explained that there was no shortage but purchase restrictions in a bid to prevent people from buying them in large quantities. "Because it is cooking oil supplied to the people who need it," he added.

That is why the price of Minyakita is Rp14,000 and cannot be sold in large quantities. Those expected to buy this commodity are the lower middle-class economic people.

The government launched the product on July 6, 2022, when oil prices soared. Since the onset of the distribution, purchase restrictions have been enforced.

"People can only buy 2 liters of cooking oil in each market," Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan or Zulhas in Bekasi, West Java, on Friday, February 10.

Zulhas explained that the distribution of Minyakita ahead of Ramadan was increased from 300,000 liters to 450,000 liters. "Now we raise the supply to 450,000 liters a month from previously 300,000 liters. This is to increase the supply for Ramadan," he said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1714661/jokowi-denies-shortage-in-cooking-oil-minyakit