Hawkers say they have to raise prices to survive, as rising cost of ingredients hits hard

[SBFNews]

Hawkers say they have to raise prices to survive, as rising cost of ingredients hits hard​

People wearing face masks at Old Airport Road Hawker Centre on Sep 11, 2020. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)


Jalelah Abu Baker
29 Apr 2022 06:00AM (Updated: 29 Apr 2022 06:04AM)
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SINGAPORE: On Monday (Apr 25), chwee kueh seller Theresa Tan's chye poh (preserved radish) supplier told her that he will increase his prices.

A tin of chye poh, which she can easily go through in a day, will cost S$158 from May 1, up from S$130 now.

This additional cost for the ingredient, an essential in the making of the steamed rice flour cake dish, would come on top of others.

Speaking to CNA at her stall at Bendemeer Market and Food Centre on Wednesday, Ms Tan rattled off a list of ingredients that have become more expensive recently – cooking oil, sugar, garlic and onions.

As a result, Ms Tan will also raise her prices from May 1. Four pieces of chwee kueh will cost S$1.60, up from S$1.20, while eight pieces will cost S$3.20, up from S$2.40.

"I tried not to increase (the price), but if I don't, I'll drop dead," she said, adding that it's the first time in 10 years that she is raising prices. At the current prices, she earns enough just to pay for her overheads, including utilities and the salaries of her two workers.

A sign at Ms Theresa Tan's chwee kueh stall informing customers of an impending increase in prices. (Photo: CNA/Jalelah Abu Baker)

At an Owen Road coffee shop, the price of a plate of chicken rice was raised from S$3 to S$3.50 earlier this month.

A sign at the stall reads: "Due to the recent increase in food raw materials and operating costs, coupled with global inflation, our store has decided to adjust the price of food slightly from 11th April 2022."

Mr Foo Tak Lim, who runs the stall, said the cost of ingredients like oil, noodles, chicken and eggs has increased by 10 to 20 per cent.

But the 50-cent rise in his chicken rice price – his second increase in the last 10 years – does little to cover his costs, Mr Foo said. His stall is still running at a loss.

 

[tobelightlight]

What does the minister do to counter this? Nothing? What a waste of taxpayers money.

 

[red amoeba]

What does the minister do to counter this? Nothing? What a waste of taxpayers money.

You must feel for them. Their pay packet has shrunk as a result. We should correspondingly increase their pay.

 

[lianbeng]

Hawkers say they have to raise prices to survive, as rising cost of ingredients hits hard​

People wearing face masks at Old Airport Road Hawker Centre on Sep 11, 2020. (Photo: Try Sutrisno Foo)


Jalelah Abu Baker
29 Apr 2022 06:00AM (Updated: 29 Apr 2022 06:04AM)
BookmarkShare

SINGAPORE: On Monday (Apr 25), chwee kueh seller Theresa Tan's chye poh (preserved radish) supplier told her that he will increase his prices.

A tin of chye poh, which she can easily go through in a day, will cost S$158 from May 1, up from S$130 now.

This additional cost for the ingredient, an essential in the making of the steamed rice flour cake dish, would come on top of others.

Speaking to CNA at her stall at Bendemeer Market and Food Centre on Wednesday, Ms Tan rattled off a list of ingredients that have become more expensive recently – cooking oil, sugar, garlic and onions.

As a result, Ms Tan will also raise her prices from May 1. Four pieces of chwee kueh will cost S$1.60, up from S$1.20, while eight pieces will cost S$3.20, up from S$2.40.

"I tried not to increase (the price), but if I don't, I'll drop dead," she said, adding that it's the first time in 10 years that she is raising prices. At the current prices, she earns enough just to pay for her overheads, including utilities and the salaries of her two workers.

A sign at Ms Theresa Tan's chwee kueh stall informing customers of an impending increase in prices. (Photo: CNA/Jalelah Abu Baker)

At an Owen Road coffee shop, the price of a plate of chicken rice was raised from S$3 to S$3.50 earlier this month.

A sign at the stall reads: "Due to the recent increase in food raw materials and operating costs, coupled with global inflation, our store has decided to adjust the price of food slightly from 11th April 2022."

Mr Foo Tak Lim, who runs the stall, said the cost of ingredients like oil, noodles, chicken and eggs has increased by 10 to 20 per cent.

But the 50-cent rise in his chicken rice price – his second increase in the last 10 years – does little to cover his costs, Mr Foo said. His stall is still running at a loss.

lianbeng cooks my own food cheaper lah!

 

[eatshitndie]

when prices rise, sinkies should resort to healthier choices starting from $6.9.

 

[Boliao]

What does the minister do to counter this? Nothing? What a waste of taxpayers money.

Actually, the government has been pumping billions to keep SGD a float. However, that will not last forever and very soon, they will have to let the market decide and then, you'll wished you're paying only $3.50 for chicken rice.

 

[ftan42]

yes, unless you are doing it for welfare

 

[tobelightlight]

Actually, the government has been pumping billions to keep SGD a float. However, that will not last forever and very soon, they will have to let the market decide and then, you'll wished you're paying only $3.50 for chicken rice.

They are only addressing the symptom and not the source. That is why they did nothing to solve the problem. They are not capable and good enough to run the country.

 

[A Singaporean]

Majulah Sickipoora. More good years.

 

[Sideswipe]

they raise prices and also reduce the portion. i don't feel like eating outside often.