A braised duck stall owner in Chinatown has come to the defense of a fellow hawker who faced criticism for introducing a gas and oil surcharge.

In a Facebook post on April 16, Melvin Chew addressed the negative feedback and one-star Google reviews received by 803 Thai Food at 511 Upper Jurong Road after announcing the surcharge that began on April 6.

Melvin emphasized that hawkers are only increasing their prices because the costs of ingredients, oil, and gas have risen due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. "If the suppliers didn't raise their prices, we wouldn't," he stated.

In response to online accusations labeling the owner of 803 Thai Food as "greedy" and "selfish" for implementing the surcharge, Melvin pointed out that the stall's price increase was merely 20 cents. This amount would not even allow the stall owner to recover losses, let alone make a profit.

In fact, some hawkers in Chinatown Complex, where Melvin's stall is located, have increased their prices by up to a dollar after experiencing a profit drop of up to 20%, as reported by CNA on April 13.

'Survival Comes First'

In response to the online backlash against eateries and hawker stalls that have imposed surcharges or raised food prices, local food critic KF Seetoh shared his perspective in a Facebook post on April 12. He praised hawkers who have raised their prices during this challenging period, noting that they understand the importance of prioritizing survival.

He advised hawkers who continue to offer low prices due to the demands of regular customers to reconsider their choices. "Sure, you may want to help the really poor with cost pricing. But, you and your family come first," he wrote. "If you trip over and can't make ends meet, nor maintain your family's needs, and shutter, no one will care. At best, you get a passing mention in some post. Your survival must take precedence."

Seetoh added that hawkers can always adjust their prices when the global situation stabilizes and gas is no longer in limited supply.

Rising Oil and Prices

According to a Facebook post on April 5, 803 Thai Food also implemented a 30 percent surcharge on ala carte items, while delivery incurs an additional cost of $1.80. The stall attributed these extra charges to the rapidly rising prices of fuel, cooking oil, and gas.

In early April, The Straits Times reported anticipated further increases in cooking gas prices due to higher transportation costs, among other factors. However, some hawkers might be shielded from price hikes, as certain suppliers are absorbing the extra costs.

Union Gas, which supplies liquefied petroleum gas to older estates and commercial eateries, has maintained unchanged prices for hawker centres to support stallholders, according to CEO Teo Hark Ping. However, small price adjustments will be made for privately run coffee shops and food courts, which typically enjoy stronger profit margins.

The surge in raw ingredient and fuel costs has also affected other food and beverage businesses. Local TV personality and entrepreneur Shahrizal Salleh, known as Chef Bob, expressed that his businesses would be "bleeding dry" if prices were not raised. Similarly, Lim Hwee Yi, owner of Botak Porridge, stated she has been "feeling the pain" of rising costs.