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SINGAPORE: Prices of dairy products such as condensed and fresh milk have gone up, according to a recent survey by the Consumers Association of Singapore or CASE.
The results, obtained by surveying four major supermarket chains in Singapore, showed that the increase in price, of between 10 and 55 cents, took place within the last two months.
Four brands of fresh milk which are more expensive include Magnolia and Farm House.
Magnolia Fresh Milk cost between $2.75 and $3.10 two months ago.
But at the end of last month, it cost $3.30.
Shoppers are also questioning the increase in price for condensed and evaporated milk.
Condensed milk price increases ranged from 10 to 50 cents - representing up to 45 per cent of the total increase in milk prices.
Nestle Milkmaid High Calcium condensed milk showed the highest price increase.
Two months ago, some chains were selling it for $1.10.
Today, it costs $1.60 - up by 50 cents.
"The supplier claims that in fact this time round this is not the original Milkmaid anymore because he added Calcium, added some other things.
"But I would like to inform consumers, if they go to… the supermarket they will find the house brand products, for example either Fairprice, Carrefour or Shop and Save. The condensed milk per can is still priced at ninety cents to one dollar or so. So I think consumers do have a choice," says Yeo Guat Kwang, CASE.
Mr Yeo said a shortage in supply has been cited as the main reason for the increase in price, but consumers are not buying it.
Some consumers are upset with the price increase in milk products as they believe these are necessities.
As a result, they are thinking twice before buying: "Maybe I [will] cut down, monthly I always buy six, maybe this time I [will] buy four or less," says one consumer.
"I guess you have to go house brand for the low income group. But for those who can afford, I guess you have to pay," says another.
"A few cents for the average class is quite a burden in terms of long term. Five cents, ten cents are also money right?"
In light of the upcoming GST increase next month, CASE says it will monitor and do more price surveys on essential items to prevent profiteering. - CNA/yy
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