Answer for Oral Question PL086

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Haji Awang Sulaiman bin Haji Nasir

YANG BERHORMAT HAJI AWANG SULAIMAN BIN HAJI NASIR asked MENTERI DI JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI to state the main factors contributing to the increase in the prices of basic necessities in the country and how the income levels of the people are being adjusted in response to the rising cost of living.

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri

As a small, open country that relies on imports to fulfil most of its food and basic goods requirements, Negara Brunei Darussalam is indeed exposed to developments and uncertainties in international markets. The current increase in global prices is driven by external factors such as geopolitical tensions, including those in the Middle East, which affect supply chains and logistics costs, as well as changes in trade policies and extreme weather conditions that affect agricultural yields in major producing countries. These developments directly increase import costs and consequently affect domestic prices.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy, through the Department of Economic Planning and Statistics (JPES), has consistently monitored the prices of selected staple food items since the end of 2020. Based on a comparative analysis between 2021 and 2025, the price of whole chickens increased by approximately 10 per cent, partly due to the increase in the cost of imported animal feed such as corn and soya beans. The prices of frozen meat, garlic and ginger also increased due to supply disruptions and higher import costs. Nevertheless, the prices of fresh meat, shallots and chillies decreased, while the price of Grade B chicken eggs remained relatively stable.

In addition, the prices of cooking oil and margarine also increased by up to approximately 29 per cent, while the price of butter increased by up to 26 per cent, in line with the increase in vegetable oil prices, which was influenced by reduced harvests due to weather conditions, higher production costs and strong global demand.

In addition to cost and supply factors, prices are also influenced by consumer demand patterns, including preferences for certain brands or premium products. In this regard, consumers are encouraged to compare prices and choose more affordable alternatives.

To enhance transparency, JPES publishes a weekly price list for staple goods through the Ministry’s official website channels. In addition, the Government also implements seasonal maximum price controls in the lead-up to the month of Ramadhan until the first week of Syawal for selected goods such as chicken, eggs, butter and flour.

At the same time, Kerajaan Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam continues to provide subsidies for basic necessities such as rice, fuel, electricity and water as a measure to alleviate the cost of living.

Overall, the measures involving price monitoring, seasonal controls and the provision of subsidies reflect the Government’s continued commitment to ensuring that basic goods remain available at reasonable and stable prices in a challenging global environment.