The Consumer Council today (June 15) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 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: Mopiko Ointment - Super 18g (from $21 to $45, or a price difference of 114.3%).
Following closely (between 80.9% and 60%) were: Dry Therapy Conditioner 700ml ($32 to $57.9, or 80.9%); Slim Wing Sanitary Napkins for Night Use (32cm) 10's ($14 to $23, or 64.3%); White Flower Embrocation Number 4 2.5ml ($6 to $9.8, or 63.3%); Sliced Pork in Szechuan Style 198g ($7.5 to $12 or 60%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 53.4% to 38.6%) were: Liquid Electronic Mosquito Killer Refill 90 Days (Lavender) 45ml ($41 to $62.9, or 53.4%); Cough Syrup F2 120ml ($28 to $42.9, or 53.2%); Peanut Oil 1L ($30 to $42.9, or 43%); Ultra Comfort Diapers for New Born Baby 35's ($38 to $52.9, or 39.2%); Deodorant (Double Effect) 150ml ($22 to $30.5, or 38.6%).
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 16 retail outlets in Yuen Long were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 11.3% to 60%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 12 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 10.9% to 114.3%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
Fresh Produce
- Due to possible variations in the place of origin, quality, size or freshness of fresh produce, direct price comparison is considered not suitable.
- A total of 5 items from 2 to 4 stalls at the Tung Yick Market and 2 major supermarket chains were included in the survey for reference of consumers.
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.