RADAR BLITAR – Blitar chicken prices are rising sharply as Ramadan draws near, putting pressure on household budgets across the city. Traders say growing demand has outpaced available supply, triggering noticeable increases in poultry and chili costs.

In recent days, the price of freshly slaughtered chicken has jumped to Rp 40,000–Rp 42,000 per kilogram. Previously, it ranged between Rp 35,000 and Rp 38,000. As a result, many shoppers now face steeper grocery bills.

Chili prices have surged even more dramatically. Bird’s eye chili, which once sold for Rp 30,000 per kilogram, now reaches Rp 80,000 to Rp 86,000. Consequently, both consumers and small food vendors are feeling the strain.

Budi Santoso, a 53-year-old poultry trader at Pasar Templek in Blitar City, confirmed that prices began climbing earlier this week. According to him, the increase follows a familiar annual pattern.

“Prices usually go up before Ramadan. People hold more thanksgiving gatherings and family events,” Budi said on Wednesday (February 11).

He explained that stronger demand consistently pushes prices higher ahead of the fasting month. Typically, each chicken weighs around two kilograms. Therefore, a whole bird now sells for Rp 80,000 to Rp 84,000.

At the same time, sales volume has increased. On regular days, Budi sells around 50 kilograms of chicken. However, as Ramadan approaches, he prepares up to 100 kilograms per day. This surge reflects heightened consumer activity across traditional markets.

Meanwhile, chili traders report a supply crisis. Ali Mahmud, a vendor at Pasar Legi in Blitar, said unstable weather has disrupted harvests at the farm level.

“Supply is tight because the season has been bad. Many chilies are damaged or rotten,” Ali explained on Tuesday (February 10).

Unpredictable rainfall has triggered plant diseases and reduced crop quality. As a result, fewer chilies reach the market in sellable condition. Moreover, delayed shipments from outside Java have worsened the shortage.

Currently, bird’s eye chili sells for as high as Rp 86,000 per kilogram. Ali warned that prices could climb further if supply chains fail to stabilize.

Beyond price hikes, traders also face shrinking stock volumes. Normally, Ali sells up to 80 kilograms of chili per day. Now, he can only secure about 50 kilograms.

Because middlemen struggle to source fresh produce, vendors must limit their daily quotas. Consequently, buyers often compete for limited stock, especially during peak hours.

Other commodities have also recorded price movements. Curly red chili has increased to Rp 30,000 per kilogram, up from Rp 24,000. Shallots have surged to Rp 40,000 from Rp 26,000.

In contrast, garlic prices have slightly declined to Rp 30,000 per kilogram. This drop provides minor relief for consumers, although it does little to offset rising protein and chili costs.

Market observers say the pattern reflects a typical pre-Ramadan cycle. Demand for staple foods traditionally rises as families prepare for fasting month gatherings and communal meals.

However, this year’s weather disruptions have amplified the impact. When high demand meets weak supply, prices tend to escalate quickly.

For now, Blitar chicken prices and chili costs remain under close watch. If supply improves in the coming weeks, prices may stabilize. Otherwise, households could face continued volatility throughout Ramadan.