Consumer Council's quarterly specific price report on rice revealed that prices of Thai rice brands had been stable during the past 6 months and an average price increase of 5% was recorded in most Japanese rice brands. The Council also indicated that price variation of up to almost 60% was found with the same rice brand sold in different retail shops. The specific price report on rice for Q3 was conducted on 7th Sept. In comparison with data from last quarter, prices of Thai rice brands were stable; 'Wing On Thai Jasmine Rice (5kg)' registered a price drop of over 15% in several retail spots. However, obvious price rise was observed in Japanese rice brands sold in many retail spots, e.g. 'Japanese Variety Pearl Rice (5kg)' recorded a price hike from 2% to 4%. Though stability is shown in rice prices, Consumer Council will continue to conduct its supermarket price survey and specific price reports on commodities. To sum up, prices of Thai rice brands have been stable since March 2011, certain brands even decreased in price; Australian brand 'Double Ram Australian Calrose Rice (5kg)' registered a price drop ranging from 13% to 25% in many retail outlets; Japanese rice brands show increase in their prices when comparing figures from Q3 to Q1, as obvious price hikes ranging from 5% to 15% are recorded in two surveyed Japanese rice brands. Improvements on reducing price discrepancies have been noted since the Council announced its work on surveying rice price; however, significant price difference of the same brand sold in different retail outlets still exists in certain outlets, and a price variation of up to almost 60% was observed this time. Consumers are advised to check with the price surveys available on the Council's website before heading out to purchase. The Council has also optimized its website functions to include the top ten commodities with greatest price differences and customized shopping cart calculations, etc. The above-mentioned report is available for download on www.consumer.gov.mo.
