The Consumer Council today (May 12) released its weekly price survey on a basket of 40 food and household items available at major supermarket chains and other retail outlets in Tseung Kwan O Po Lam.
In the analysis were listed the top 10 products with the most price differences found in this survey. Top on the list was: Watermelon Frost Insufflations 3g (from $12 to $26.5, or a price difference of 120.8%).
Following closely (between 86.9% and 70.6%) were: Sensitive Multi-Protection Toothpaste 120g ($16 to $29.9, or 86.9%); Balm (Red) 19.4g ($11 to $19.9, or 80.9%); Tse Koo Choy 5's ($15 to $26, or 73.3%); Bath Soap 125g x 4's ($8.5 to $14.5 or 70.6%).
The remainders 5 of the top 10 list (ranging from 62.5% to 50.5%) were: Satay Broth for Hot Pot 75g ($4 to $6.5, or 62.5%); Chicken Shao Mai with Scallop 10's ($7.5 to $11.9, or 58.7%); Ointment 28g ($16 to $24.9, or 55.6%); Baked Beans In Tomato Sauce 220g ($5.9 to $8.9, or 50.8%); Pack Almond Cracker 133g ($9.9 to $14.9, or 50.5%).
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 14 retail outlets in Tseung Kwan O Po Lam were compared for their prices.
- Considerable differences between the lowest and the highest unit prices were recorded, ranging from 11.8% to 62.5%.
Household/Personal Care Products
- A total of 22 items in this category at 18 retail outlets was surveyed, with price differences ranging from 13.1% to 120.8%.
- 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 Sai Kung District Office.