IN THE recent report on hawker centres ("10 more hawker centres to be built"; March 12), it was mentioned that the largest component (more than 50 per cent) of hawkers' operating cost is raw materials; rental cost comprised only 12 per cent of operating cost.
Despite the sharp decline in
palm oil and agricultural commodity prices, we are starting to see hawker prices increasing by around
10 per cent after Chinese New Year.
Even bread manufacturers have raised their prices despite wheat prices declining 42 per cent from their recent peak in July 2012.
This trend of increasing prices and fattening corporate margins at the expense of consumers is unacceptable.
At least our public transport fares are pegged to a transparent formula and users will benefit from the recent sharp decline in oil prices.
Perhaps NTUC Foodfare and FairPrice can lead by example by reducing prices and passing on the savings to consumers?
Tay Wi Keng
Despite the sharp decline in
palm oil and agricultural commodity prices, we are starting to see hawker prices increasing by around
10 per cent after Chinese New Year.
Even bread manufacturers have raised their prices despite wheat prices declining 42 per cent from their recent peak in July 2012.
This trend of increasing prices and fattening corporate margins at the expense of consumers is unacceptable.
At least our public transport fares are pegged to a transparent formula and users will benefit from the recent sharp decline in oil prices.
Perhaps NTUC Foodfare and FairPrice can lead by example by reducing prices and passing on the savings to consumers?
Tay Wi Keng
