Susanne Hatzis says grocery prices are set to increase as global oil price spikes linked to the war in Iran combine with flooding in Queensland to drive up costs.
Hatzis, whose family runs the Minchinbury Fruit Market, said fruit and vegetable prices would “definitely” rise due to higher transport costs and reduced supply caused by the floods.
“There’ll be no fruit and veggies to come down, and prices will rise because of that,” she said.
She added that while the business tries to limit price increases, rising costs make it difficult.
“We try not to pass on the increases as much as we can (but) as a small business, you can only cover the costs for so long.”
An AUSVEG spokesperson said the conflict in the Middle East had “led to concerns over higher production costs for vegetable growers, particularly given Australia’s heavy reliance on imported key farm inputs like fuel and fertiliser.”
Meanwhile, Adam Stratton said meat prices were also expected to rise, warning customers: “Price rises are inevitable, so it would be wise to buy your meat now.”
Source: Daily Telegraph.
