The Consumer Council today (November 19) 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 Yau Ma Tei District.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly 49g (from $10 to $19.9, or a price difference of 99%).
Following closely (between 76.8% and 56.2%) were: Freshly Minced Garlic 213g ($9.9 to $17.5, or 76.8%); Fluoride Toothpaste - Sensitive Fresh Stripe 130g ($17 to $29.9, or 75.9%); Soup Base for Chicken Hot Pot 60g ($3.8 to $6, or 57.9%); Melon Flavoured Soya Milk 250mlx6 ($8.9 to $13.9, or 56.2%).
The remainders of the top 10 list (ranging from 52.5% to 41.7%) were: Pure Corn Oil 900ml ($24.2 to $36.9, or 52.5%); Ramyun (Spicy Mushroom Flavor) 120g ($3.3 to $5, or 51.5%); Premium Pork Luncheon Meat 397g ($12 to $17.9, or 49.2%); Pineapple Slices in Heavy Syrup 234g ($4 to $5.9, or 47.5%); Fried Mackerels in Chilli Sauce 155g ($6 to $8.5, or 41.7%).
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 25 items in this category at 8 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, small individual supermarkets, frozen food and grocery outlets in the Yau Ma Tei District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 1.6% to 76.8%.
- Overall, major supermarket chains were generally more expensive. Some supermarket chains offered some goods at lower price on bulk purchase, for example, a major chain offered Mackerel Fillets in Soybean Oil Salt Added with Chilli 120g at $19 for 2, averaging $9.5 each, and was thus cheaper than other retail outlets.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 11 items in this category at 10 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 15.6% to 99%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chain stores were generally higher than those at drugstores. One major supermarket chain offered bulk purchase incentive in Mildly Medicated Shower Foam - Skincare 650ml at $59.8 for 2, average $29.9 each, but was still more expensive than the 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 3 stalls at the Yau Ma Tei Market and 2 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 Yau Tsim Mong District Office.