The Hungry Ghost Month this year is set to take place from 29 July to 26 August, however, it appears that even the hungry ghosts are not immune to the costs of inflation.
According to Shin Min Daily News, they reported that the costs of joss papers will be increased by 10 to 20% in Singapore.
Religious goods shop Ban Kah Hiang Trading, spoke to the Chinese paper and said that shipping costs have increased two-fold, and the additional prices will be passed on to customers.
Also, due to the recent increase in oil prices as a result of overseas conflicts, candle and lamp oil prices have also increased by about 15% to 20%.
However, demand for joss paper is expected to be strong, due to the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, with customers saying that they want to make up for the lack of proper worship over the last 2 years due to the pandemic.
Another shop selling joss paper estimated that the increase in demand will be about 30 to 40%.