The Consumer Council today (October 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 the Tung Chung District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Medicated Lipbalm (from $13 to $21.9, or a price difference of 68.5%).
Following closely were: Sandoz (Orange) 10pcs (from $29 to $41.8, or 44.1%); Ointment 20gm ($18 to $25.5, or 41.7%); Moisturising Shower Foam 2L ($27 to $37.9, or 40.4%); Fried Dace 184gm ($16.4 to $22.9, or 39.6%).
The remainders of the top 10 list were: Jasmine Tea Bags 25pcs ($8.9 to $12, or 34.8%); Aroma Therapy Anti-stress 750ml ($20 to $26.9, or 34.5%); Anti-Dandruff Shampoo 750ml ($48 to $63.9, or 33.1%); XO Sardine 215gm ($8.5 to $11.2, or 31.8%); Roach Killer (with Germkill) 500ml ($30 to $38.5, or 28.3%).
Other highlights in this weekly price survey covering (a) prepackaged food products, (b) household and personal care products, and (c) fresh produce, include:
Prepackaged Food
- A total of 24 items in this category at 11 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, frozen food outlets, grocery and drugstores in the Tung Chung District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 4.5% to 39.6%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains were generally more expensive - in 16 items were recorded the highest price at some of these chains. On the other hand, in 11 items were recorded the lowest price at some major supermarket chains.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 12 items in this category at 12 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 17.6% to 68.5%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chain stores were generally higher than those at drugstores.
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 4 items from 2 to 4 stalls at the Yat Tung (Good Luck) Market and 3 major supermarket chains were included in the survey for reference of consumers.
Results of the weekly price survey are available on the Council's website, its Consumer Advice Centres, and the Public Enquiry Service Centre of Islands District Office.