Memoirs of Beijing

Why do prices always go up?  Why don’t they ever come down?  Why can’t salaries increase at par with the country’s inflation rate?  My weekly trip to the supermarket is turning into nightmare with some of the products going up weekly.  Sorry.. I’m just ranting with prices that are increasing everywhere. 

Here are some examples of price increases of items I usually use or purchase:

• Cup of rice @ 7-11:  from RMB 1.8 to RMB 2.0
• Yakult pack of 5:  from RMB 10.5 to RMB 11.0
• Rice toppings @ 7-11:  from RMB 14 to RMB 15.5
• Boiled egg @ bldg convenience store: RMB 1.2 to RMB 1.3
• Starbucks tall vanilla latte:  RMB 28 to RMB 30
• Ajisen Ramen Tissue Paper:  Free to RMB 1.0
• Minute Maid Orange Juice:  RMB 3.2 to RMB 3.5
• Coldstone small cup:  RMB 27 to RMB 30
• Honey Pork Rice @ QQ:  RMB 28 to RMB 32

Too many items are increasing or the food portions are getting smaller.  I’m just glad that the local government is still subsidizing the public transportation that for the past 6 years I’ve been in Beijing, no price increase whatsoever on public bus and subway.

Share and Enjoy

I thought China would be able to subsidize the fuel costs for drivers but apparently not.  With fuel prices soaring to at least $70 a barrel, the transport sector is clamoring for an increase.  Compared to the Philippines where each increase in the transport cost will result to strike, China just lay down the law and expect everyone to follow.

Last Wednesday, November 25, the long awaited increase for taxi operators was implemented.  Flag down rate remains at RMB 10 between 6am to 11pm and RMB 11 between 11pm to 6am.  However, if you go beyond the flag down rate, you’ll be charged an additional RMB 1 on top of the metered rate.  This RMB 1 will come out of your pocket and cannot be reimbursed.

I’ve taken the taxi several times since Wednesday and it’s a hit and miss.  Some taxi drivers will ask for RMB 1 more while others doesn’t seem to mind.  So, if you ride a taxi and your taxi fare is beyond RMB 10, don’t argue with the driver if they ask you to pay one kuai more.

Share and Enjoy