BLITAR – Blitar food prices remain volatile after Eid al-Fitr, with vegetable costs rising and chili prices continuing to fluctuate at Pasar Templek.

Traders say several staple commodities still show unstable movement even though the holiday demand has eased.

One market vendor, Agus M, said vegetable prices increased in recent days after strong buying during the Eid period.

He explained that one bundle of vegetables now sells for Rp10,000, up from Rp8,000.

“Vegetables have gone up. They usually sold for Rp8,000, but now they reach Rp10,000 because demand rose during the holiday,” Agus said.

He added that chili prices also continue to shift without a clear trend.

Prices recently dropped from Rp100,000 to Rp80,000 per kilogram, but traders still consider the market unstable.

“Chili prices fell, but they still change often and have not fully stabilized,” he said.

Other basic commodities remain relatively steady across the market.

Garlic currently sells for around Rp30,000 per kilogram, while shallots trade at Rp35,000 per kilogram.

Rice prices also show little movement.

Agus said Koi 77 rice stays stable, along with most other rice varieties available in the market.

“Most rice prices remain stable across different categories,” he said.

Cooking oil currently sells between Rp20,000 and Rp21,000 per liter.

Traders hope food prices return to normal soon so consumer spending can recover after the holiday season.

They warn that sharp price increases often reduce purchasing power and slow overall market activity.

“We hope prices become stable again because when prices rise too high, fewer people buy and the market becomes quiet,” Agus said.