Seoul, Jan. 2 (Yonhap) -- At the beginning of the New Year, the prices of food and daily necessities in South Korea have risen. Manufacturers said this was due to rising raw material prices and labor costs. Retailers say higher prices are inevitable because supply prices are rising.

The wholesale and retail company IDUS FnB said on Tuesday that the prices of 10 items in its fried chicken brand PURADAK have increased by up to 1,000 won (about 5 yuan) since December 30 last year.

Some snack makers have recently cited rising chocolate and palm oil prices to raise prices, pushing up prices in supermarkets and convenience stores. Orion's 13 products rose 10.6 per cent on average last month, while Haitai's 10 products rose 8.6 per cent on average.

The price of some daily necessities such as shampoo, hand sanitizer, and batteries sold at convenience stores has increased from 100 to 1,000 won. Cosmetics prices also went up, with the price of key products of LG Lifestyle & Health's European Hygiene-branded products rising by as much as 6,000 won on the previous day.

The price of food, beverages and daily necessities will continue to rise in the New Year due to the rising price of various raw materials and the weakening won, according to a source in the distribution industry.