Mutton prices up in Singapore due to developments in Australia

Zhao Quan Yin/Dylan Loh, Channel NewsAsia 6 Nov 09;

SINGAPORE: Mutton prices have been increasing going into the year-end period.

In the past two months, mutton prices have risen by as much as 40 per cent - from S$5 a kilogramme to about S$6 or S$7 per kilogramme.

About 80 per cent of Singapore's mutton supply comes from Australia, and the rest mainly from New Zealand.

Suppliers said that the increase in prices is due to changing weather conditions in Australia, and exchange rates which favour the Australian dollar.

Most hawkers and meat sellers that MediaCorp spoke to said that they will absorb the increase for now, but will have to pass it on to consumers if the price hike continues.

- CNA/sc