Price surge of bottled cooking oil hits lower income group
MUHAMMAD AMNAN HIBRAHIM02 Jul 2022 10:20am
The government had ceased subsidising bottled cooking oil (2kg, 3kg and 5kg) from July 1, but cooking oil sold in 1kg polybags would continue to be subsidised.
A survey by Sinar Harian at several supermarkets showed Seri Murni cooking oil rose by 44 percent to RM42.70, followed by Buruh brand sold at RM42.60 (43.5 percent); Alif, RM42.50 (43 percent); Vesawit, RM42.25 (42.5 percent) and Saji, RM42.20 (42 percent).
The price of 1kg bottle packs of various brands also showed an increase of 42 percent to RM9.50.
The survey further found several supermarkets selling bottled cooking oil at the last ceiling price set by the previous government, which was RM29.70 for a weight of 5kg, RM18.70 (3kg), RM12.70 (2kg) and RM6.70 (1kg) but it was limited to two bottles per family..
It is further understood that these prices offered are under promotion and supermarkets were limiting purchases to two bottles of cooking oil for each family.
Meanwhile, consumer, Zaitul Amali Zakaria, 42, said the price hike was expected.
"It is burdensome, especially for those from low-income group but they buy it because cooking oil is a necessity," said the kindergarten assistant with five children.
Meanwhile, butcher Azizul Mohd, 49 said he started using the 1kg packets of cooking oil to reduce expenses.
"I will buy three packets as it is limited by the supermarket and usually. Each packet lasts for two weeks," he said, adding that the RM2.50 per packet are sold out quickly in supermarkets or grocery stores.
The government had ceased subsidising bottled cooking oil (2kg, 3kg and 5kg) from July 1, but cooking oil sold in 1kg polybags would continue to be subsidised.
