Whopping 25% increase of ban mian price: ‘not inflation but rip-off’ — Customer

Yet another member of the public complained about the ever-increasing food prices after witnessing a 25 per cent hike at a noodle stall in Sembawang.

“Qiu Lian Ban Mee at Sembawang MRT NTUC Foodfare price increase from S$4.80 to S$6.00,” wrote a Facebook group Complaint Singapore member on Wednesday (Sept 14).

“This is not inflation; this is (a) rip-off!” the concerned individual said, noting the “whopping” 25 per cent increase in prices.

The original poster added that customers could walk less than 500 metres and buy ban mian for S$4 at a neighbourhood coffeeshop instead.

Facebook user Eric Chew commented on the post and said the recent hike in food prices “is too much.”

Businesses everywhere are trying to make up for the losses in the past during the Covid-19 pandemic, he added.

“Everywhere all the food prices gone up more than 20-30 per cent, the food vendors are daylight bloodsuckers,” said Facebook user Joel Lam. “Inflation? It’s too much. The government should step in,” he said.

Others wondered if rental prices increased recently, hence the corresponding adjustments.

“Understanding from my colleague as his family owns a stall under FairPrice Foodfare. Pricing and menu are controlled by Foodfare management, any increment or adding item to the list need to be reviewed,” explained Facebook user Jiaxiang Ang. “We need to understand due to high inflation, everything has gone up in pricing.”

This is not the first time customers complained about inflation and rising food costs. From takeaway containers having an additional 10 per cent charge to cai png costing S$11, prices are “really crazy.”

Netizens pointed out that buying ingredients and cooking at home, when possible, was the more feasible option now. /TISG

‘Really crazy prices! Mixed rice with fish at Jurong West costs S$12!’ — Netizen