Inflation takes a bite out of fast food profits

Upon returning to work at the end of the Spring Festival holiday, Lin Ruiqi noticed that the prices of his favorite fast food had been increased again.

"The price of a set lunch, especially if it has beef in it, rose by 3-4 yuan (42-56 cents), which is 30-40 percent more compared with the price a year ago," the 26-year-old law clerk, who orders takeaway meals from nearby fast-food restaurants every day, said.

"The restaurants pass on their rising operational costs to the consumers, making us the ultimate victims," Lin said.