Consumer Council released its latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' dated 18th October, covering prices of 277 samples from 14 retail outlets. Prices of around half of the surveyed products remained stable or decreased lightly while price increases were mainly observed in cooking oil and seasoning. In the current survey, average prices of half of the 23 surveyed cooking oil samples had risen from 1-2 per cent; for seasoning, 'Maggi Chicken Bouillon (270g)' recorded a price upsurge of over 8 per cent. Price increases were observed in many canned food brands last month, though prices of some brands reflected slight decrease in the current survey, 'Ma Ling Premium Ham Luncheon Meat (340g)' had increased notably in price for about 11 per cent. 'Ma Ling Premium Ham Luncheon Meat (340g)' also showed obvious price increases in the specific price survey on canned foods conducted on 17th October. Consumers have to pay attention to notable price discrepancies of up to almost 50 per cent for the mentioned product being sold in different outlets. A new item of luncheon meat imported from mainland China was also added to both of the surveys to provide consumers a more comprehensive selection. Consumer Council indicated that in comparison with last month's survey, prices of rice recorded this month remained stable, infant formula and milk products, as well as household cleaning products all decreased slightly in prices. However, one exception, 'Kao Kitchen Magiclean – Regular (500ml)', recorded a price increase of almost 40 per cent. Both 'Supermarket Price Survey' and specific price survey on canned foods are now available on the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo). Reports are also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. For inquiries, please call 8988 9315.
