Consumer Council released its latest specific price surveys on tissue papers and cooking oil. The specific price survey on tissue and toilet papers was conducted on 2nd April. In comparison with data from February's survey, prices of 12 samples of tissue and toilet papers surveyed this time remained stable. Many brands which were surveyed this time, including 'C & S (Toilet Paper, Orange) (10pcs)', 'Aus & New Golden Soft Tissue (10pcs)', and 'Andrex Bathroom Tissue (3 ply) (10pcs)', all recorded an average price drop of around 10% in most retail outlets. Yet, an increase in the selling prices of 'C & S (Toilet Paper, Orange) (10pcs)' and 'Aus & New Golden Soft Tissue (10pcs)' had also been recorded in certain retail outlets. For the specific price survey on tissue and toilet papers conducted in April, a general price difference of around 15% was observed for the same product sold in different outlets. The greatest price difference of this survey had been narrowed when compared to the one recorded in February. In this survey, the greatest price difference recorded was around 28%, mainly on the brands of 'Tempo Box Facial Tissue (5 boxes)', 'Andrex Bathroom Tissue (3 ply) (10pcs)' and 'Aus & New Golden Soft Tissue (10pcs)'. While the greatest price difference recorded in February was 55%. Further, Consumer Council conducted its specific price survey on cooking oil on 26th March, 23 samples of cooking oil were surveyed for their retail prices from various local retail outlets. In the current survey, price differences of 49% to 71% had been spotted in different retail outlets for four brands, namely, 'Lion & Globe Pure Olive Oil (500ml), 'Pietro Coricelli Olive Pomace Oil (1L)', 'Lion & Globe Canola Oil (900mlx3pcs)' and 'Tripod Brand Top Quality Pure Peanut Oil (2L)'. In comparison with last time's survey, price of 'Vecorn 100% Pure Corn Oil (3.5L)' had decreased by over 30% while that of 'Gallo Azeite (1L)' and 'Tsing Tao Edible Oil (2.9L)' had dropped by around 12%. In comparison with January's record, prices of 5 brands have increased more than 10% since last survey. Both canola oil (2L) and corn oil (2L) of 'Tripod Brand' recorded a general price increase of over 10%, peanut oil of the same brand recorded a price increase of 27% in 2 retail spots, other brands recorded minimal to over 10% price increase in certain retail outlets. The Council stated that since a great price difference was observed for the same product sold in different outlets, consumers are advised to check with the price survey prior to making consumption. The specific price surveys on tissue papers and cooking oil are now available online on the Council's official website (www.consumer.gov.mo).
