Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA) - The Trade Ministry is ready to distribute around three thousand tons of MinyaKita, or subsidized cooking oil provided by the government, in Central Java in February to meet demand ahead of the Ramadhan fasting month.
Ministry official, Veri Anggrijono, informed that the ministry along with all stakeholders, such as the Trade Office and the regional food task force, will assist in the distribution of MinyaKita in Central Java.
At least 13 tons of MinyaKita has been allocated for Gayamsari Market by collaborating with three producers, and it is expected to meet the people's demand through market operations, he said here on Friday.
The distribution of MinyaKita in Central Java will be undertaken gradually to cater to the rise in the people's demand ahead of the Ramadhan. The distribution has been conducted continuously in the past several days.
In addition to Central Java, Anggrijono informed that the ministry has also distributed MinyaKita in other regions, such as Yogyakarta, in response to rising demand.
"As a whole, we are collaborating with producers and distributors to immediately distribute them," he said.
Commenting on the period when MinyaKita stocks became scarce, he said that public demand for MinyaKita is rising along with a general increase in consumer demand.
"The people have shifted their viewpoint and consider MinyaKita as their favorite product while the production capacity is limited," he explained.
"However, Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), we already increased the stock from 300 thousand to 450 thousand liters," he said.
He also urged the public to remain on alert against fake MinyaKita products that are being sold in nearly identical packaging at higher prices.
