ValdeenShears-Neptune
Doubles vendors in the South will not increase their prices by $1 as some vendors in Port-of-Spain have done.
Yesterday, vendors along the popular doubles stretch in Debe said although sales have been slow due to motorists opting to use parts of the completed highway to Point Fortin, they would continue to retail the delicacy at $4.
However, if there is a general increase, then they will have no choice but to follow suit.
At Hassanali's "D" Greenshed Doubles stall, Debe, "Lovey" assured while their price remained at $4, if neighboring vendors raised their prices then they also would.
They added that vendors at Cross Crossing, San Fernando, have also indicated low sales.
They believe the presentation of the Budget on October 5 seemed to have impacted on spending. They have yet to see several of their regular customers since then, said another worker.
One customer called for them to justify the $1 hike, while others said they would continue to buy though not as much as in the past.
Doubles was last increased in 2008 from $3 to $4 and a senior staff at Hassanali's said that had been only after ten-plus years.
The hike in the price of doubles by some vendors in Port-of-Spain was reported exclusively yesterday in the T&T Guardian.
In Port-of-Spain, two barras and channa sold for $4 is now $5. Three barras, dubbed a triple, and channa, has also been increased by $1.
The reason given by at least one vendor in Port-of-Spain, was the expected ripple effect with the increase in super gas and diesel.
The vendor also noted that increase in goods and service was expected to affect street vendors eventually. Other vendors in Central and along the East/West Corridor had also increased their prices, stated the vendor.
Vendors, it would seem, are monitoring the prices of goods, the effects of the Budget and how it affected their businesses before deciding one way or other.