Halfway through September, have you already felt a breath of price increases? It is understood that from September 1, there are 3 things that will usher in a larger round of price increases, some of which are indispensable in our daily lives, how much impact will the price increase have on us? Let's take a look together.
Express: The dispatch fee will be increased by 0.1 yuan per ticket
Express delivery is an integral part of our daily life, whether it is online shopping or sending items, we can't do without express delivery. However, from September 1, the price of express delivery will increase.
It is reported that six express delivery companies, Zhongtong, Yuantong, Shentong, Best Best, Yunda and Jitu have successively issued notices on the intranet, stipulating that the distribution fee for the whole network will be increased by 0.1 yuan / ticket from September 1. This means an extra dime for each delivery delivered.
Why should the price of express delivery increase?
According to the notice of the express delivery company, this is in response to the "Work Opinions on Doing a Good Job in Protecting the Legitimate Rights and Interests of Courier Groups" formulated by the seven ministries and commissions of the Central Committee, further implementing the specific deployment of the State Post Bureau on doing a good job in protecting the rights and interests of couriers, and effectively improving the legitimate rights and interests of couriers. That is, this price increase is to raise the salary of couriers.
How does this price increase affect us?
For consumers, on the surface, it does not seem to have much impact, after all, each delivery only costs a dime more, which does not put much pressure on our purchasing power. However, if we send and receive dozens or even hundreds of couriers every month, then the accumulation is not a small amount. Moreover, this price increase does not necessarily guarantee that we can enjoy better service quality, such as home delivery, timely signature, proper storage and so on.
For merchants, this price increase may have a greater impact. In particular, some e-commerce sellers with low profits and relying on volume may face a dilemma: first, pass on costs to consumers and increase commodity prices, but this may reduce competitiveness and sales; The second is to bear the cost pressure themselves and keep commodity prices unchanged, but this may reduce profits or even losses. No matter how you choose, it may adversely affect the operation of the merchant.
Food: Prices of pork, vegetables, etc. have risen
Food is a necessary consumer product in our lives, and it is also an important factor affecting the consumption level and price index of residents. Recently, food prices have shown a clear upward trend, especially pork, vegetables and other daily ingredients.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, in July 2021, the national consumer price index (CPI) increased by 1.0% year-on-year, of which food prices increased by 0.3% year-on-year, affecting the CPI by about 0.06 percentage points. Among them, pork prices increased by 6.4% year-on-year, affecting CPI by about 0.13 percentage points; vegetable prices increased by 6.3% year-on-year, affecting CPI by about 0.12 percentage points.
Why are food prices rising? There are several main reasons:
1. The main reason for the rise in pork prices is the imbalance between supply and demand. Due to the impact of African swine fever, environmental protection policies, feed costs and other factors, the mainland pig production capacity has been lost to a certain extent, resulting in tight market supply.
At the same time, with the economic recovery and consumption recovery, pork demand has increased, driving pork prices up.
2. The main reason for the rise in vegetable prices is abnormal weather. Since the beginning of this year, many places on the mainland have encountered extreme weather such as floods, high temperatures and droughts, which have adversely affected agricultural production, resulting in a decline in the output and quality of some vegetables and a decrease in market supply. At the same time, transportation costs have increased, further pushing up vegetable prices.
3. The main reason for the rise in other food prices is the fluctuation of the international market. Due to the global economic recovery and demand growth, as well as the depreciation of the US dollar and inflation expectations, international commodity prices have risen sharply, including important agricultural products such as grain, oilseeds and meat. These price increases will be transmitted to the domestic market through import channels, resulting in higher prices for some food products.
How do rising food prices affect us?
For consumers, rising food prices will undoubtedly increase our cost of living and reduce our purchasing power and consumption levels. Especially for low-income groups, food expenditure is relatively high, and rising food prices will directly affect their basic quality of life.
For merchants, rising food prices can also bring cost pressure and operating difficulties. In particular, some industries closely related to food, such as the catering industry and the food processing industry, may face the dilemma of declining profits or passing on costs.
Oil prices: Domestic gasoline and diesel prices hit a record high
Oil prices are an important factor affecting our travel and logistics, and are also important indicators reflecting changes in the international market and the operation of the domestic economy. Recently, oil prices have shown a clear upward trend, especially domestic gasoline and diesel prices have hit a record high. According to China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec)
Data show that from 24:00 on August 18, 2021, the maximum retail price of domestic gasoline and diesel was adjusted to 7.47 yuan / liter and 7.09 yuan / liter respectively, which was 245 yuan and 235 yuan per ton respectively. This is the tenth adjustment in oil prices so far this year and the sixth consecutive increase.
Why are oil prices rising? There are several main reasons:
The main reason for the rise in international crude oil prices is the tight supply and demand. Due to the global economic recovery and the promotion of vaccination, international crude oil demand has increased, especially from major consumer countries such as the United States, Europe, and China. At the same time, OPEC+ (OPEC+) production restrictions and the decline in U.S. shale oil production have led to a lack of supply in the market. In addition, geopolitical risks, dollar depreciation and other factors also drove up crude oil prices.
The main reasons for the rise in domestic gasoline and diesel prices are cost transmission and policy adjustments. Since the price of gasoline and diesel in mainland China is linked to the international crude oil price and adjusted according to the "10 working days" system, the rise in international crude oil prices will be directly transmitted to domestic gasoline and diesel prices. At the same time, since the beginning of this year, the mainland has made two adjustments to the oil consumption tax, raising the consumption tax per ton by 120 yuan and 100 yuan on February 25 and June 12 respectively, further increasing the cost pressure of gasoline and diesel.
How do higher oil prices affect us?
For consumers, rising oil prices will undoubtedly increase our travel costs, especially for drivers, each time a full tank of fuel may cost tens or even hundreds of yuan. Moreover, since gasoline and diesel are the main energy source for logistics transportation, rising oil prices will also lead to higher logistics costs, which in turn will push up the prices of other commodities.
For merchants, rising oil prices will also bring cost pressure and operating difficulties. Especially in some oil-related industries, such as chemicals, plastics, rubber, etc., they may face the dilemma of rising raw material costs or pass-through costs.
To sum up, after September 1, the three things of express delivery, food and oil prices will increase in price to varying degrees, which will have a certain impact on our lives. So, how do we deal with it? Here are a few suggestions:
1. For express price increases, we can minimize unnecessary online shopping or sending items, choose appropriate courier companies and service methods, and avoid sending or receiving goods during peak periods and holidays to save express delivery costs.
2. For food price increases, we can reasonably arrange the diet structure and consumption plan, choose seasonal, local, low-priced food, avoid waste and excessive consumption, so as to ensure nutrition and health.
3. For the increase in oil prices, we can minimize unnecessary travel or choose public transportation, improve driving skills and fuel saving awareness, and regularly inspect and maintain vehicles to reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
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