Jakarta, March 3 -- Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has assured that the government will implement measures to lower chili prices, which have recorded an increase in the first week of Ramadan, to normal levels.

He asked chili businesses not to arbitrarily raise chili prices, especially above the highest retail price (HET).

"We will take steps to lower (chili prices). We urge all businesspeople not to set food prices above the HET," Sulaiman said at the Presidential Palace complex here on Monday.

He added that there is no reason for businesses to increase prices above the HET since the stocks of several staple commodities, such as rice and cooking oil, are relatively sufficient.

"There is no reason for businesses to hike price...