struggle to cope with the sudden, sharp spike<\/span><\/a> in the price of jet fuel.<\/p>\nThe fuel supplies have been especially squeezed, as much of the heavier, high-sulphur type of crude oil used to produce jet fuel and diesel passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that has effectively been closed by the war.<\/p>\n
Prices are unlikely to ease any time soon, analysts said, with companies often having no alternatives.<\/p>\n
While larger businesses may have the ability to absorb price increases, smaller operators are struggling and have in some cases, started to pass costs to consumers.<\/p>\n
Mr Parath used to spend $1,600 a month on diesel to fuel his 13-seater minibus, but now pays far more.<\/p>\n
Unable to raise his charges as he caters to students, the 29-year-old has been working on the weekend to make up for the added expense.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever I earn is just nice to pay off everything. I have to pay salary to my bus attendant. I have to pay for my vehicle,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of my friends and colleagues have sold their vehicles as they can\u2019t cope with what is happening.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven for me, I am considering it. I really hope our Government does something to help us with the diesel cost.\u201d<\/p>\n
Interior design and decor consultant Matthew Foo said he has lowered his fees to remain desirable to clients, as his contractor is now charging more.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy recent chats with my contractor was how diesel for his truck which used to be at around $2 plus per litre was now $4 plus,\u201d the 57-year-old said.<\/p>\n
Business owner Kenny Tan, 37, said temporarily reducing the excise duty on diesel, which powers most goods vehicles, could help to ease the pressure.<\/p>\n
Mr Tan, who operates The Good Husband Laundromats & Drycleaners and vending machines around Singapore, said his suppliers have raised delivery charges by 15 to 20 per cent.<\/p>\n
He is also facing higher costs elsewhere. The apple supplier for his juice machines has increased the price of each carton of fruit from $35 to $40. <\/p>\n\n\nMr Kenny Tan, who operates The Good Husband Laundromats & Drycleaners and vending machines around Singapore, has seen costs increase.<\/p>\n
PHOTO: COURTESY OF KENNY TAN<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Mr Tan said: \u201cThe supplier would have gone to the farmer. The farmer uses tractors and machinery powered by diesel. That cost now has gone up for them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt dribbles down as apples are moved through the supply chain. When suppliers receive the items, they are already paying an increased cost, and they have no choice but to pass on the cost to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
He has increased the price of juice from $2.80 to $3 as a result.<\/p>\n
One of his laundromats has also felt the increase in gas prices, while the other two outlets are due to face higher rates in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n
Mr Tan said he is \u201ctrying to use creative ways to tide through the volatile situation\u201d.<\/p>\n
He has installed devices on air-conditioning units to control them remotely, and turns the units off during non-peak and overnight hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis helps me to keep the electricity usage as optimal as possible, and save the environment when no one is in my laundromats,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Still, he can\u2019t help but worry about the days ahead, as his operational costs like rent and manpower were already increasing before the war.<\/p>\n
Mr Tan said: \u201cAs a business owner, every day is a gamble. Every day is a risk we are taking, because we are affected directly by the situation around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n