The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on price disparities and fluctuations of shallots in traditional markets

ABSTRACT

Horticultural food commodities such as shallots are a staple and strategic commodity in Indonesia which is affected by the covid-19 pandemic situation. This study is to answer the pattern of price movements and disparities, as well as the level of fluctuations in the price of shallots due to the covid-19 pandemic in traditional markets in Kupang and Surabaya. Kupang NTT as the recipient of shallots supplies from Surabaya, East Java. Using time-series data of the shallot prices for the period of June 2016 - March 2020 to see disparities and fluctuations, which analyzed using graphics and coefficient of variation (CV). The results of the analysis found that the disparity and fluctuations of the price of shallots between the periods of June 2016 - March 2020, showed a movement that continues to increase, but with a fluctuating increase. Price disparity and fluctuation in Kupang is higher than in Surabaya. This difference is in addition to the seasonal factor also because Surabaya is one of the main suppliers of shallots to Kupang. So that the prices sensitively will rise if there is a disruption in distribution (supply). This seems clear when the initial enactment of social distancing and panic buying took place. Market operations and policies to improve efficiency in the distribution of trade in goods need attention.