Hawker food prices may rise. No more $2.50 chicken rice?

Since the hawker centre came into existence almost 40 years ago, it has always been the lowest common food price denominator - guaranteeing cheap chow for the nation.



But that $2.50 plate of chicken rice may be a fantasy by the end of the decade. The reason: Some hawker stall rents are set to soar by more than 10 times in the coming years due to expiring subsidies.

Stall owners in 15 food centres said that when the rent hike comes, they will either raise their prices or quit the business. The fallout could also affect food prices at their neighbours' stalls and at coffee shops and foodcourts, which sometimes peg the prices of their fare to those of nearby hawker competitors.

ORIGINAL SOURCE
Content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.