Rising commodity prices have almost made it a luxury now to buy items that used to be associated with frugal living--for example, instant noodles. Many consumers complain that certain instant noodle products have become even more expensive than bento meals.

The instant noodle prices at convenient stores are all more expansive these two days, including the ManHan noodle, which was NT$48 each, now at NT$53.

AQ instant noodle bowl was NT$30 and starting today, costing NT$35 each.

The cheapest Kehsheu noodle is no 10NT$ from NT$8.

Family mart was the first to hike the price on Wednesday, with 7-11, OK and Hi-Life follow suit on Thursday.

As Uni-president brand instant noodles took over 50% of the instant noodle market share, WeiDan and WeiWang instant noodle makers are also going to follow suit.

Currently, rumor has it that, starting next month, the price increase is going to be around 7% to 20%.

As all instant noodles are adjusting prices upwards and all convenient stores are hiking up the prices, the Fair Trade Commission is investigating prices and see if instant noodle makers and convenient stores are jointly hiking up prices.

Since the international raw material prices are at an all time high, ,local food manufactures are feeling the pressure to adjust prices.

It is expected that, ice treats, drinks and cigarettes are all going in up in prices.

As to whether or not the increase is reasonable, the Fair trade commission is investigating into the matter to see if anti-trust violation were committed by those manufactures, with the fine being NT$ 25 million at most.