The Consumer Council today (April 17) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 45 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Spiced Pork Cubes 142g (from HK$11 to HK$22.6, or a price difference of 105.5%).
Following closely (between 73.2% and 65%) were: Decongestant-Analgesic Ointment 1oz./28g (HK$19 to HK$32.9, or 73.2%); Collagen Elastin Body Lotion (Skin Renewing) 621ml (HK$27 to HK$44.9, or 66.3%); All Shiny White Lime Mint Toothpaste 160g (HK$12 to HK$19.9, or 65.8%); Dense Soup Treasure (Fish Dense Soup) 32g x 2 Cups (HK$6 to HK$9.9 or 65%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 62.5% to 44.5%) were: Universal Oil 56ml (HK$24 to HK$39, or 62.5%); Aloe Relief Skin Cooling Moisturiser 400ml (HK$24.6 to HK$39.9, or 62.2%); Medicated Oil 30ml (HK$30 to HK$46.9, or 56.3%); Deep Clean Energizing Foaming Cleanser 100g (HK$40.5 to HK$58.9, or 45.4%); Anti-Perspirant Deodorant (Cotton Dry) 150ml (HK$20 to HK$28.9, or 44.5%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, and (b) household and personal care products:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 18 items in this category at 11 retail outlets in Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 1.9% to 105.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 22 items in this category at 16 retail outlets were surveyed, with price differences ranging from 22.3% to 73.2%.
- 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 Hau Tak Market and 4 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 , its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Sai Kung District Office.