Bulog Intensifies Market Operations

Mataram, W Nusa Tenggara, July 22 (Antara) - The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) of West Nusa Tenggara regional division has intensified its market operations to control the fluctuating food prices during the Ramadan fasting month, remarked its spokesman H.M. Hasyim. "In cooperation with the city administration, we have been conducting market operations at numerous locations since the beginning of the fasting month," Hasyim stated here on Tuesday. He noted that the market operations were intensified by distributing some 120 thousand tons of rice from Bulog`s warehouse to several districts and towns in West Nusa Tenggara. During the market operations, he reported that medium quality rice was sold at the price of Rp seven thousand per kg, but premium quality rice was sold at Rp10.5 thousand per kg or a little lower than the market price. Therefore, Hasyim encouraged the public to buy rice in bulk to avoid fluctuating prices during the fasting month and ahead of the Lebaran holidays. "There has been no fluctuation in the market prices up to this day as a result of Bulog`s rice market operations. We hope such a condition will continue to be maintained until after the Lebaran holidays," Hasyim claimed. According to Hasyim, Bulog has provided the local community with medium and premium quality rice and sugar at affordable prices.