PETALING JAYA, Jan 20 — Consumers have to bear the brunt of price increases as traders are forced to hike the prices of mandarin oranges by as much as 40 per cent, following a supply shortage from China.
Checks by The Malay Mail in SS2 Petaling Jaya, Kepong and Selayang showed a decrease in sales of the popular Chinese New Year festive giveaway.
The prices of oranges ranged from RM10 to RM21.80 a box, depending on size and quality.
Trader Lau Choon Yong said prices had gone up by between 20 and 40 per cent.
“There’s limited stock in China, that is why it is so expensive,” he said.
“My customers grumble when they see the high prices but they have no choice but to buy.
“However, customers are buying less this year with prices so high.”
Ng Kok Leong expected the sales of mandarin oranges to go up by next week.
He said people would normally buy at the last-minute, expecting discounts from traders.
“I don’t think we will be able to give any discounts this year because the supply is very limited,” he said.
In Penang, Sin Lee Fruits Wholesaler manager Tan Aik Lee said the price of mandarin oranges had gone on average by 20 per cent, partly due to the strength of the US dollar versus the ringgit, on top of the increase in transport costs.
One fruit trader, who requested anonymity, stated that orders this year had dropped by 15 per cent.
The trader’s customers consisted of corporate bodies such as banks which generally placed orders early.
However, he said, customers had tighter budgets this year.
Source: Malay Mail Online