The Consumer Council today (May 13) 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 Tsuen Wan 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 106g (from $13 to $29.9, or a price difference of 130%).
Following closely (between 126.7% and 64.8%) were: Ice Tea (Lemon Flavor) 490ml ($3 to $6.8, or 126.7%); Ketchup 680g ($9.8 to $17.5, or 78.6%); Beauty Bar Soap 100g ($5 to $8.5, or 70%); Total Care All Around Protection Toothpaste 120g ($23 to $37.9, or 64.8%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 60.8% to 53.6%) were: Softener Refill - Classic 2L ($13 to $20.9 or 60.8%); Coconut Milk 400ml ($7.8 to $12.5, or 60.3%); Panadol Extra 10 tablets ($17.5 to $28, or 60%); Beef Shaomai 10pcs ($8.2 to $12.9, or 57.3%); Crème 60ml ($11 to $16.9, or 53.6%).
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 22 items in this category at 13 retail outlets, covering major supermarket chains, individual supermarkets, Chinese products store, health-and-beauty chains, grocery and frozen food stores in the Tsuen Wan District, were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 12.5% to 126.7%.
- Plenty of products were found on sale in individual supermarkets in the district but some recorded more higher prices than the others.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 15 items in this category at 15 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 13.4% to 130%.
- Overall, prices at major supermarket chains and health-and-beauty chains were higher. Some drugstores offered special promotional package, for example, Total Care All Around Protection 120g Toothpaste and Compact Laundry Detergent (Environmentally Friendly Refill Pack) 2.25kg of increased weight, which when compared to the normal size packages sold at major supermarket chains and individual health-and-beauty chains, were much cheaper.
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 3 items from 2 to 6 stalls at the Yeung Uk Road Market and 3 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 Tsuen Wan District Office.