Joss paper prices to increase 15% this 7th month, netizens say should increase 100% to minimize air pollution

With the seventh lunar month right around the corner, news of inflation hitting even joss paper has gotten netizens agreeing with the price increase.

It was reported that joss paper would increase by 10 to 15 per cent in Singapore in 2022 due to shipping costs which have doubled.

Those praying to ancestors from July 29 to Aug 26 this year will also experience increased prices of candles and lamp oil due to the Ukraine invasion.

Religious good shop Ban Kah Hiang Trading owner said the doubled shipping costs would be passed on to customers.

Another shop owner told Chinese language newspaper Shin Min Daily News that the cost of joss paper items increased between 15 and 20 per cent.

At the same time, proprietors are expecting an increase in demand between 30 and 40 per cent due to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

Ban Kah Hiang Trading customers said they were looking to make up for the last two years of not being able to worship properly.

Responding to the news, netizens thought it would be better to increase the prices further. “Should increase 100 per cent. Why no need pollution tax,” commented Facebook user Li Ling.

Meanwhile, others suggested increasing the value of paper money instead.

“Just increase the value of paper money with extra zeros, then burn less,” said netizen Dennis Chen.

“Just add another zero to the notes. Inflation covered, less to burn,” added another Facebook user.

Another option highlighted by the online community was the electronic version of joss paper.

“The best option will be using e-version, so there is no need to buy and burn anymore,” said Facebook user Lin Wei. /TISG

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