KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 -- Even the humble tofu, often seen as a cheaper alternative to meat, is beginning to feel the pinch following weeks of sharp diesel price hikes.

In some parts of the capital, prices of tofu and soya products have climbed by nearly 10 per cent since April 7, forcing traders to pass on higher costs to consumers.

Kamol Cheng Thean, a vegetable and soy products trader at Pasar Harian Selayang, said prices of dry, fresh, fried and five-spiced tofu have increased by 10 sen per piece, while pressed tofu has gone up by 20 sen per piece.

Soya bean drinks are also selling 50 sen higher per kilogram now, said the 55-year-old trader.

"Before this, one piece of tofu was about 50 sen but now I have to sell it for 60 sen.

"T...