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Noble Ncube Business Reporter
THE cost of living for a family of six has hit a record low for this year with $10,73 decline due to reduction of fuel prices and weakening of the South African rand, a survey by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) for the month of November shows. In a statement, CCZ said low income urban earner monthly basket for a family of six went down from $561,92 as of end of October to $551,19 by end November. The figures reflect a 1,88 percent decrease.
“The food basket decreased by $9,53 or 8 percent from $119,15 as of end October to $109,62 by end November. The price of detergents decreased by $1,04 or 12,08 percent from $8,61 to $7,57 during the period under review,” said CCZ.
The consumer watchdog attributed the decline of prices to the increased number of consumers purchasing imported goods from the black market, a situation which has forced shops to reduce prices of their commodities.
“We assume that the above price shifts were caused by the reduction of fuel prices on the market and the fall of the South African rand on the exchange market has contributed, as more dealers are importing goods from South Africa,” said CCZ.
The report said decreases in prices of basic commodities were recorded in onion by five cents from 80 cents to 75 cents, cabbage by 15 cents from 54 cents to 39 cents, economy meat by $1,10 from $3,99 to $2,89, bath soap by 15 cents from 45 cents to 30 cents and laundry bar by 14 cents from 99 cents to 85 cents.
“Beef has gone down and we assume that this was because consumers are buying chicken and fish more than beef and this has caused the price of beef to go down,” said CCZ.
The report further said increase of prices in other basic commodities was however, recorded in margarine by 30 cents from $0,69 to $0,99, roller meal by 69 cents from $8,30 to $8,99, rice by 11 cents from $1,39, to $1,50 and washing powder by four cents from $0,95 to $0,99.
CCZ said the price of cooking oil, bread, salt and tomatoes remained the same.
CCZ Matabeleland regional manager, Mr Comfort Muchekeza said the influx of foreign products for sale in the informal sector exposed laxity at the country’s port of entries.
Vendors have resorted to selling foreign products like baked beans, washing powder, toothpaste, soap, deodorants and body lotions on the streets.
“The products sold by vendors are mostly from South Africa. Government should be pro-active and look closely at all points of entry. If they are being smuggled, Government should tighten security measures. Some of the products are available locally. There are plenty in our supermarkets,” Mr Muchekeza said.
He also urged the public to desist from buying meat sold by meat vendors stating that it was hazardous to health.
“Meat is a commodity that needs to be refrigerated, to keep it fresh and healthy for human consumption. The responsible authorities should do something because this is not good for the consumers. It poses a health hazard that could affect us as a country,” Mr Muchekeza said.
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