Unexpected price increase leaves thirsty Sydney customer shocked

As the weather warms up, so does demand for a cold, refreshing beverages.

A customer in Sydney seeking to quench their thirst during a recent outing was shocked by a sign placed above a selection of drinks.

They shared a photo of the sign on Reddit's 'Sydney' thread along with the description: "Surcharge for cold drinks? I guess that's a new one (at least for me)."

The sign read: "Surcharge for cold drink. 20 cents for under 1.5Lt. 50 cents for above 1.5Lt."

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While this customer seemed surprised to be paying more for refrigerated drinks, others pointed out some retailers have been marking them up for years.

"Pfft. Coles and Woolies used to do this 20 years ago," one Redditer writes.

"20 years ago? Go check the price of a drink in the fridge and then check the price of one on the shelf," another shared.

"I mean they still do, cold drinks are always more expensive than the ones on the shelves," one customer said.

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"I think it's less noticeable since they usually don't stock the same volume."

"Instead it's just now part of the base markup," another person added.

Some savvy customers suggested ways to avoid this cold drink surcharge.

"This is why as kids we would take a 2lt coke and place it in the freezer section with the peas and come back in 20-30 mins," they explained.

"Missed opportunity here. Should say the room temperature drinks get a discount," another jokes.

Research conducted by NAB in October has found Australian consumers are bracing themselves for further increases in groceries between now and Christmas.

Those surveyed saying they expected to spend $59 extra a week on groceries, $35 a week more on fuel, and $76 more a week on gas, electricity, and water bills.

Almost one in two Australians said they were being mindful or careful with their money and altering their behaviour. Of the 2050 people surveyed, 61 per cent said they had switched to cheaper brands or shopped around for cheaper products.