May 5, 2012

Taking into consideration the higher wages, utilities and fuel price, several Thai consumer goods makers are seeking to increase retail prices despite government's reaffirmation of its policy of controlling prices, a reporters' survey showed.

The survey conducted by a group of reporters from the Commerce Ministry showed that the prices of foods and essential goods have increased by 5-10% from early this year, reports The Nation.

For instance, the pork price has increased from THB100-110 (US$3.24-3.56) a kilogramme to THB120-130 (US$3.88-4.21). The price of fresh chicken has gone up from THB52-55 (US$1.68-1.78) to THB62-65 (US$2-2.10) a kilogramme, and egg price has risen from THB2.40-2.50 (US$0.07-0.08) to THB2.80-2.90 (US$0.09-0.093) per egg.

The prices of some fresh vegetables have nearly doubled this summer. Chinese kale has skyrocketed from THB30-32 (US$0.97-1.04) a kilogramme to THB50-52 (US$1.62-1.69) a kilogramme while morning glory has increased from THB18-20 (US$0.58-0.65) to THB20-22 (US$0.65-0.71) a kilogramme.