RRI.CO.ID, Gayo Lues - Farmers in Gayo Lues, Aceh, are seeing their incomes recover as citronella oil prices normalize after key transport routes linking the regency to Medan, North Sumatra, reopened. 

Improved road access has eased logistical bottlenecks that had previously depressed prices, allowing local producers to sell their oil at more sustainable rates.

Masudin, a citronella farmer from Gajah Village in Gayo Lues, said prices had slumped to IDR 325,000 per kilogram when landslides disrupted transportation. Over the past two weeks, however, prices have rebounded to IDR 350,000 per kilogram as truck traffic resumed.

“Previously, the price of citronella oil was IDR 325,000 per kilogram, but now it has returned to IDR 350,000 per kilogram,” Masudin said on Sunday, February 1, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Despite relying on traditional distillation methods using recycled metal drums, Masudin said the quality of citronella oil produced in Gayo Lues remains highly sought after in Medan. 

He typically conducts up to 12 distillation cycles during each five-month harvest period, producing between 8 and 10 kilograms of oil per batch.

Local farmers noted that prices began to recover once transportation along the Gayo Lues–Medan route improved, underscoring the sector’s heavy dependence on road connectivity.

The Ministry of Public Works has prioritized restoring access along Aceh’s central corridor, particularly the route from Kutacane to Blangkejeren, which serves as a vital supply line for Gayo Lues and neighboring Aceh Tenggara. 

Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said the ministry deployed heavy equipment, including excavators and wheel loaders, through the National Road Implementation Center (BPJN) Aceh to clear landslide debris.

“Almost all vehicles can now pass through, so logistics assets, heavy vehicles, fuel, and other necessities can once again enter from Kutacane toward Blangkejeren and Gayo Lues,” Dody said.

Restored access has helped stabilize not only citronella oil prices but also fuel and basic goods distribution across the region.

“Thank God, now that the road is passable, prices are back to normal,” Masudin said.