Instant noodles in short supply as oil prices pinch

UBON RATCHATHANI: -- Basic foodstuffs, including canned sardines and instant noodles, are in short supply in the north-eastern province of Ubon Ratchathani despite government attempts to stabilize the price of consumer goods in the face of rising fuel prices.

A quick survey today by our reporters in markets in Warin Chamrab and Muang districts found that sardines and instant noodles were now as difficult to come by as gold dust.

According to market traders, manufacturers of sardines and instant noodles are preparing to put up their prices to reflect the higher fuel costs, and have not delivered any of their products since the beginning of the month.

Local residents, particularly those on low incomes, are now stockpiling basic foodstuffs in anticipation of further price hikes.

People in lower income brackets are also finding it difficult to fill up their vehicles with fuel, as petrol stations are refusing to provide them with quantities of fuel worth less than Bt30.

Typical of local traders is Mrs. Radarat Pharakan, a beef seller in Warin Chamrab market.

Mrs. Radarat says that her fuel costs have risen from Bt60 to Bt100 a day, but that she is unable to put up the price of her goods due to competition from other traders.

News of the price rises will come as unwelcome news for the government, which has warned producers of the illegality of putting up prices.

The government has stressed that it is continuing to subsidise the price of diesel, the main fuel used in manufacturing.

--TNA 2004-08-18

Just like in the US When times are bad Peanut Butter and Jelly are in short supply I guess in thailand it's instant noodles alot faster and alot cleaner to make than PB@J