Cost of living increases slightly

25 Sep, 2016 - 00:09 0 Views
Cost of living increases slightly

The Sunday News

food-busket

Dickson Mangena, Business Reporter
THE cost of living as measured by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) for low-income urban earners has slightly increased by 0,52 percent with a monthly basket for a family of six increasing from $567,91 in July to $ 571,14 in August.

The consumer watchdog said the food basket increased by $2,12 or 1,73 percent from $122,60 in July to $124,72 in August while the price of detergents increased by $0,84 or 7,43 percent from $11,31 to $12,15.

“As CCZ we assume that the slight increase could be attributed to various factors and these include the current cash shortages, the schools opening and fluctuating fuel prices,” said CCZ.

Most commodity prices increased while just a few decreased or did not change in prices.

“Increases in prices was recorded in margarine by $0,10 from $0,85 to $0,95, cooking oil by $0,05 from $1,35 to $1,40, rice by $0,11 from $1,59 to $1,70, onion by $0,28 from $1,20 to $1,48, bath soap by $0,06 from $0,69 to $0,75, mealie-meal by $0,15 from $10,80 to 10,95, meat by $0,25 from $3,50 to $3,75, salt by $0,03 from $0,23 to $0,26 and laundry bar by $0,15 from $1,05 to $1,20,” said CCZ.

It noted that decreases were recorded in bread which went down by $0,05 from $0,75 to $0,70 and flour by $0,04 from $1,73 to $1,69 while the price of milk, sugar, tomatoes, tea leaves, cabbage and washing powder remained unchanged.

“The CCZ continues to encourage consumers to shop conscientiously and to always buy certified products. Where the products are not certified, the consumers should exercise their right to information by carefully examining if the products they are purchasing are well labelled, packaged and provided with vital information such as manufacturing and expiry dates and ingredients used in the make-up of the products.”

The survey is conducted twice during the first and the last weeks of every month. The total cost of the food basket and the price of each commodity are arrived at by averaging prices gathered from retail outlets throughout the country.

@Dixen6

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds