adminDickson Mangena, Business Reporter
SUPERMARKETS have taken advantage of the use of plastic money and demand for cash back to increase prices of some basic commodities in small amounts ranging from 1c to 40c but most consumers are not able to notice because in return they withdraw cash, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has said.
Since the start of cash shortages, supermarkets have been recording big business as people are flocking for the cash back facilities. Most supermarkets only offer money after a customer has purchased a certain amount of goods using swipe cards.
According to CCZ, the cost of living for a low income urban earner for September, rose by $1,91 caused by a rise in the prices of basic commodities in supermarkets among other commodities.
“There are various issues that may have caused the price increase of some products, these are fluctuation of fuel price, the approaching festive season and supermarkets have taken advantage on the use of plastic money by increasing the prices of basic commodities in small amounts,” said the consumer watchdog.
Most items in the food basket increased in prices by small margins.
“Increases in prices were recorded in sugar by $0,06 from $1,85 to $1,91, tea leaves by $0,09 from $1,79 to $1,88, cooking oil by $0,06 from $1,40 to $1,46, rice by $0,09 from $1,70 to $1,79, milk by $0,06 from $0,50 to $0,56, bread by $0,08 from $0,70 to $0,78, flour by $0,14 from $1,69 to $1,83, mealie-meal by $0,40 from $10,95 to 11,35 and cabbage by $0,03 from $0,65 to $0,68,” said CCZ.
Decreases were recorded in margarine by $0,06 from $0,95 to $0,89, salt by $0,01 from $0,26 to $0,25, tomatoes by $0,12 from $0,65 to $0,53, onions by $0,13 from $1,48 to $1,35, laundry bar by $0,07 from $1,20 to $1,13 and washing powder by $0,04 from $1,45 to $1,41.
“The CCZ continues to encourage consumers to shop conscientiously and to always buy certified products. Where the products are not certified, to 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.”
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