Traders in Sekupang and Batuaji report stable staples and adequate supply despite BBM increase.

Recent non-subsidised fuel price hikes in Indonesia have yet to significantly affect basic food prices in Batam’s traditional markets, where key staples remain stable and some have even become cheaper since Lebaran.

Sekupang Traders See Cheaper Chilies And Stable Onions
At Victoria Market in Sekupang, red chili prices are holding at around Rp28,000 to Rp30,000 per kilogram, noticeably lower than during the Lebaran period. Vendor Yena said chili prices have fallen by about Rp7,000 per quarter kilogram compared with earlier levels. Onion prices are also steady, with Birma onions sold at about Rp10,000 per kilogram and shallots around Rp28,000 to Rp30,000 per kilogram, indicating that core seasoning ingredients have not reacted to the non-subsidised fuel hike.

Vegetables Slightly Higher Due To Supply, Not Fuel
Vegetable prices are a mild exception, ranging from Rp18,000 to Rp24,000 per kilogram, slightly higher than other items. Traders attribute this to supply factors rather than fuel or transport costs. Yena noted that only vegetables remain “a bit high,” while other goods have already come down, adding that stock is currently plentiful. Her comments suggest that short-term variations in vegetable prices are more closely tied to harvests and logistics than to the recent BBM adjustment.

Batuaji Market Mirrors Stability In Staples
Similar patterns appear at Fanindo Market in Batuaji. Green chilies there are also priced between Rp28,000 and Rp30,000 per kilogram, in line with Sekupang levels. Tomatoes sell for about Rp13,000 to Rp18,000 per quarter kilogram, with no sharp spikes reported. Chicken egg prices remain stable at around Rp18,000 to Rp20,000 for 10 eggs, a key reference for many lower and middle income households monitoring their weekly food budgets.

Fish Prices Normal As Distribution Flows Smoothly
Seafood vendors in Batuaji report normal conditions, with fish prices unchanged despite the fuel increase. Tuna-like ikan tongkol sells for about Rp35,000 to Rp38,000 per kilogram, while ikan benggol is priced between Rp28,000 and Rp30,000 per kilogram. Traders say distribution of goods from suppliers to market stalls is running smoothly without major disruptions, indicating that transport cost pressures have not yet translated into higher retail prices for fresh fish and other perishables.

Traders Say BBM Hike Has Not Yet Hit Market Levels
Overall, traders in both Sekupang and Batuaji believe the non-subsidised fuel price hike has not had a direct impact on current selling prices in traditional markets. They highlight ample supplies and unchanged distribution patterns as key reasons for the stability in basic food items. For Indonesians and Singaporeans watching Batam as a barometer of cross border cost pressures, the situation shows that local food prices can remain resilient in the short term after fuel adjustments, especially when supply chains are functioning well and demand has normalised following festive seasons.

The relative stability of staple food prices in Batam’s traditional markets, despite higher non-subsidised fuel costs, underscores the importance of steady supply and efficient distribution in cushioning households from immediate inflation. For Indonesians, it offers temporary relief on daily expenses, while for Singaporeans who shop or invest across the strait it illustrates how local conditions, rather than fuel prices alone, shape short term food affordability and demand in Batam’s retail economy.

Sources: Batampos (2026) , Tribun News (2026)

Keywords: Non Subsidised Fuel Batam, Sekupang Market Prices, Batuaji Food Staples, Chili And Onion Costs, Fish And Egg Prices, Supply Conditions