The Consumer Council today (April 28) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tuen Mun.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Anti-bacterial Dishwashing Detergent 1000ml (from $9 to $21.9, or a price difference of 143.3%).
Following closely (between 99.3% and 84.4%) were: Sensitive Toothpaste (Fresh Stripe) 120g ($15 to $29.9, or 99.3%); Pork and Ham 198g ($8 to $15.9, or 98.8%); Intensive Damage Therapy Shampoo 700ml ($31 to $57.9, or 86.8%); Lozenges (Lemon) 25's ($13.5 to $24.9 or 84.4%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 81.4% to 60.6%) were: Corn Oil 946ml ($22 to $39.9, or 81.4%); Ketchup 340g ($5.5 to $9.5, or 72.7%); Shredded Pork and Preserved Vegetable 240g ($7.9 to $13.5, or 70.9%); Mouthwash (Mint) 300ml ($56.5 to $92, or 62.8%); Aromatherapy (Sensual Enriched) 750ml ($18 to $28.9, or 60.6%).
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 13 retail outlets in Tuen Mun were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 11.8% to 98.8%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 20 items in this category at 18 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 15.6% to 143.3%.
- Overall, more highest unit prices were recorded at major supermarket and health-and-beauty chains than other retail outlets.
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 Tuen Mun District Office.