More firms seek price hikes
More than 60 manufacturers supplying over 40 products have applied to the Commerce Ministry for permission to increase their retail prices as the rising price of oil has escalated their costs.
Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, director-general of the Internal Trade Department, said the agency had received several such requests but had decided not to allow any company to increase its prices at least until its case has been investiagted. "The department has to discuss the matter with manufacturers on a case-by-case basis. Only then will we announce our final decision as to which product prices can increase at the retail level," he said. The products in question include powered milk, pasteurised milk, canned fish, fruit juice, lubricants, PVC pipes and chemical fertilisers. Siripol added that the department would consider only products where it has been proved that the rising cost of oil has had a direct impact on production costs. Manufacturers who are speculating on prices will have their requests rejected. He added that the current domestic trade situation was not serious, saying that only some fresh-food prices had been increased because of high demand and supply shortages. The Commerce Ministry yesterday also launched the first 'Sunday market' fair, which will have cheap goods on sale from this Saturday until Tuesday at the National Stadium. Essential everyday products will be sold for 20 to 40 per cent less than the normal retail price. A variety of goods such as clothes, student uniforms, stationery, food, and consumer goods will be sold at factory prices. So far companies that have announced they will attend the fair include Adda (Thailand), Nan Mee, Mammos, Nangyang, SCS sportware, Geto, Bata, Nom Jit, Uniliver, Sahapatthanaphibul, Charoen Pokphand, Saha Farm and Nestle. Petchanet Pratruangkrai, The Nation
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