Cost of living up 1,7 percent

Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
THE cost of living for a family of six increased by 1,7 percent to $593,17 as of end of September from $586,90 in August, according to the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ). Rosemary Siyachitema, the CCZ executive director, on Friday attributed the increase to the recent upward tax review, mainly on fuel.

In the mid-term budget review policy statement last month, the government announced a five percent tax increase on fuel and airtime and tightened import duty on basic commodities such as cooking oil.

“As CCZ, we assume that the price increases are a result of the five percent tax increase on fuel introduced by the government in September,” she said.
Siyachitema said a survey conducted by her organisation revealed that the price for margarine rose by 26c from $1,89 to $2,15 while 2kg of sugar now costs $1,75 from $1,70.

A 500g packet of salt now costs 29c from 20c while the price for 2kg of flour is pegged at $1,86 from $1,80.
The price of a kilogramme of beef has increased by 21c from $3,80 to $4,01 while 250g of tea leaves now costs $1,99 from $1,75.

Fresh milk price also went up to $0,72 from $0,69 while a 2kg packet of rice costs $1,87 from $1,59.
A kilogramme of tomatoes costs six cents more to $0,76 with the price of a head of cabbage now pegged at $0,57 from $0,49 while a bar of soap costs 17 cents more.

Siyachitema, however, said the maize meal price dropped by 17 cents from $11,60 to $11,43 for a 20kg packet as well cooking oil, which went down by 10 cents from $1,60 to $1,50 for 750ml.

The price of bread, bathing soap and washing powder remained unchanged from the end of August 2014 figures.
Siyachitema commended the availability of coins in shops to assist consumers with change.

“Coins are now more readily available in all supermarkets, so consumers can now buy what they want and get change,” she said.
“The CCZ continues to encourage consumers to shop wisely and to always buy certified products.”

She said where the products are not certified, consumers should exercise their right to information by carefully examining the products.