Gotrade News - Plastic prices in Indonesia, especially at Curug Traditional Market, have surged significantly by up to 70% in recent weeks. This situation is driven by the escalation of geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, affecting the petrochemical supply chain, the main source of plastic raw materials.
This price hike has led traders at Curug Traditional Market to experience a substantial decline in revenue. Arwanto, a plastic trader at the market, revealed that almost all plastic products have seen price increases. This has reduced consumer purchasing power and stressed traders' operations.
The price of plastic bags, previously Rp10,000, has now soared to Rp16,000, while red plastic bags increased from Rp19,000 to Rp26,000. Additionally, bulk plastic bags used for coffee or ice have risen from Rp7,000 to Rp12,000.
Mobile coffee vendors are also feeling the impact, as they struggle to adjust their capital to the rising plastic prices. Soma, a roaming coffee vendor, complained that his cost and profit calculations have been disrupted. Even so, he chose not to raise his coffee prices to avoid losing loyal customers.
The escalation of the Iran vs. US-Israel conflict in the Middle East is the primary cause of the plastic price surge in Indonesia. It has triggered price increases in the petrochemical sector, affecting plastic product prices in the local market.
The Secretary General of the Indonesian Olefin, Aromatic, and Plastic Industry Association (Inaplas), Fajar Budiono, had previously predicted serious pressure on the domestic industry due to the limited supply of raw materials. Sellers at Anak Rantau plastic store in Pejaten confirmed that plastic prices have reached Rp15,000 from the previous Rp10,000, while styrofoam prices have increased significantly.
This situation is felt not only by traditional market traders but also by players in the food and beverage industry who heavily rely on plastic packaging. They are facing a significant increase in operational costs due to the spike in raw material prices.
Consumers need to be wary of the prolonged impact of this conflict, as the increase in plastic prices is expected to continue as the Middle East crisis persists.
Reference:
- Berita Satu, Harga Plastik Melonjak, Pedagang Kian Tertekan. Accessed on April 6, 2026
- Bloomberg Technoz, Konflik Timteng: Harga Plastik Melangit, Semua Lini Menjerit. Accessed on April 6, 2026
Featured Image: GPT Image 1.5
