The Consumer Council today (April 21) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Central/Mid-Levels.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Pure Baking Soda 1lb (from $7 to $15, or a price difference of 114.3%).
Following closely (between 92.3% and 86%) were: Fruity Sauce 335g ($13 to $25, or 92.3%); Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1L ($79.9 to $152, or 90.2%); Garbanzo Beans 439g ($11 to $20.5, or 86.4%); Select Country Vegetable Soup 18.8oz ($12.9 to $24 or 86%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 83.4% to 55%) were: Prewash Stain Remover (Trigger) 500ml ($16.9 to $31, or 83.4%); Luncheon Meat 340g ($18.9 to $32, or 69.3%); Baby Lite Oil 200ml ($25 to $39.9, or 59.6%); Clear Chicken Broth 1L ($12.5 to $19.5, or 56%); 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly 3.75oz ($18 to $27.9, or 55%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 19 items in this category at 14 retail outlets in Central/Mid-Levels were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 15.3% to 114.3%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 21 items in this category at 17 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 0.9% to 83.4%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
The weekly survey covers, for price comparison, a broad range of retail outlets of different types located in the district under comparison, including major and individual supermarkets, health-and-beauty chains, frozen food and grocery stores, and drugstores.
It is common that many outlets will offer bulk-purchase incentives, add-size packs, gifts, rebates, etc. for purchase of designated products or up to a certain value.
Consumers, however, should note that promotional offers are not necessarily the best bargains (the lowest unit price) available on the items. They should shop around whenever possible and compare prices.
Results of the weekly price survey and analysis are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Central & Western District Office.