Diesel surge pushes tofu prices up nearly 10% in Kuala Lumpur markets

 

AS FUEL prices climb and global supply chains tighten, everyday essentials are beginning to cost more. However, traders warn further increases could be on the way.

A recent ground report by new portal Malay Mail found that tofu and other soy-based products in parts of Kuala Lumpur have gone up by almost 10% since early April, largely driven by a spike in diesel prices.

At Pasar Harian Selayang, sellers say absorbing the higher costs is no longer an option.

Soy product trader Kamol Cheng Thean shared that prices for various tofu types, ranging from fresh and fried to five-spiced, have risen by about 10 sen per piece, while pressed tofu has jumped by roughly 20 sen.

He noted that what used to sell for 50 sen now goes for 60 sen, adding that future pricing remains uncertain but will likely track fuel costs.

Soya bean drinks are also affected, with prices increasing by around 50 sen per kilogram.

The situation is compounded by Malaysia’s reliance on imported soybeans, particularly from the United States.

A mix of global pressures, including higher fertiliser costs due to reduced production, shipping disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, and rising packaging expenses, has pushed prices upward.

Domestically, diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia have surged from RM2.99 per litre in mid-February to RM6.72 recently, directly impacting transportation and logistics for traders. Not all produce, however, is seeing the same level of increase.

At Pasar Harian Selayang, vegetables like spinach and kangkung remain at about RM2.50 per kg, while cabbage and sawi are still priced between RM3 and RM4 per kg.

That said, certain items are already experiencing sharp hikes. Small cucumbers, for instance, have climbed from RM3 to RM5 per kg within a week, partly due to hot, dry weather affecting crop yields.

Even where prices have held steady, traders report a noticeable dip in customers. 

Vegetable seller Uma Pathy Marutapa pointed out that the challenge now is not just rising costs, but fewer shoppers showing up at the market. — Focus Malaysia