Bandarlampung, (ANTARA Babel) - The prices of rice have been stable in Bandarlampung since the beginning of this year. Traders have been able to meet the demand for rice despite the rainy season.
"Despite the rainy season, the price of rice has been stable and the supply of rice has been constant," said a rice trader, Rodjie, who works at the Tugu Market in Bandarlampung.
He said the price of rice ranges between Rp7,800 and Rp8,000 per kg. Rice produced by the Logistic Business Entity (Bulog) costs Rp7,500 per kg.
The price of rice that is of normal quality is between Rp8,500 and Rp9,500 per kg, and premium rice costs up to Rp10,000 per kg.
He added that the production volume of rice has not increased since December 2012, and the supply of rice is abundant.
"We sell Bulog rice as well as local rice produced in Lampung. Although Bulog rice and local rice cost almost the same, many consumers prefer local rice to Bulog rice, he said.
However, he said there is a possibility that the price of rice will increase in Lampung since it is the rainy season now.
During the rainy season, farming is difficult.
"Bulog began producing rice to benefit the society. However, Bulog rice is still not as popular as local rice," he said.