The Consumer Council today (June 15) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Yuen Long.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: One Minute Oil Treatment 150ml (from $7 to $13.9, or a price difference of 98.6%).
Following closely (between 82.6% and 66%) were: Premium Pork Luncheon Meat 397g ($10.9 to $19.9, or 82.6%); Fiesta Tropical Fruit Mix 850g ($10 to $16.9, or 69%); Tuna in Sunflower Oil 185g ($9.5 to $15.8, or 66.3%); Baby Skincare Wipes 80's ($15 to $24.9 or 66%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 58% to 46.5%) were: Pan Fried Tofu 350g ($5 to $7.9, or 58%); Furniture Polish (Lemon) 330ml ($26 to $39.8, or 53.1%); Cooling Gel Sheet 6pcs ($18 to $27, or 50%); Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 220g ($6 to $8.9, or 48.3%); Fried Dace with Salted Black Beans 227g ($12.9 to $18.9, or 46.5%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 20 items in this category at 13 retail outlets in Yuen Long were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 9.7% to 82.6%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 15 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 14.8% to 98.6%.
- 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 Yuen Long District Office.