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| News & Features |
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| October Basket Shots up by 1% |
| 1st November 2009 |
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The cost of living as depicted by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe’s low-income urban earner monthly budget for a family of six shows an increase from USD490.08 in September to USD496.98 in October 2009, reflecting a 1% increase. This is a relative increase on the September 2009 basket.
There is an increase in the cost of the food basket in October 2009 (foodstuffs only), from USD132.08 in September, to USD141.07 in October 2009 reflecting a 7% increase, and for foodstuffs and detergents from USD146.08 in September, to USD152.98 in October 2009 reflecting a 5% increase. The cost of the basket for transport, rent, water and electricity, health, education, clothing and footwear has not changed from September 2009 figure of USD344.00. There is still a challenge in the area of water supply were a number of households are still running dry and as CCZ we are concerned to hear that there have been some cholera cases reported, which points out to problems in the water services area. The issue of rental is still a cause of concern that needs to be addressed.
CCZ continues to be encouraged by the increase of local goods available in most supermarkets. In a survey done in supermarkets around town, it was evident that local goods were readily available on the shelves and these included most basic food and non-food stuffs from the well known traditional manufacturers. Goods available included sugar, tealeaves, mealie meal, cereals, toilet paper, salt, bathing soap, petroleum jellies, flour, rice, cooking oil, biscuits, eggs, matemba and many other goods. This is very commendable as buying Zimbabwe will go towards developing local industry and with increased production, unit price will come down and become competitive with imported goods. CCZ encourages local manufacturers to ensure that there be sustainable supply of goods to supermarkets.
Some traditional supermarkets have re-introduced in-house brands whose prices are lower than branded goods, and as CCZ, we encourage consumers to shop around for better prices. Other supermarkets have introduced bins where you can measure out yourself the amount of rice, sugar beans, nyimo, peanuts and other dry food, that you are able to afford.
CCZ is concerned about the general increase in prices of basic goods, both local and imported. Of course the Rand has been strong against the dollar for a couple of months now ranging between R7.20 to R7.70, but not to such an extent that we should see a US6.90 dollar increase on the basket. Unfortunately, retailers have in the past had a tendency of increasing prices during the period towards Christmas and as CCZ we deplore this and condemn in the strongest terms. Fuel, which is usually a cost pusher, has stayed stable and in some cases even has become cheaper and therefore, we expect prices to have stayed stable.
Consumers are urged to always seek a fairdeal on the marketplace by ensuring that their rights are observed. They are also urged to be on high alert and use their monies wisely because some unscrupulous business people have sought to take advantage of consumers through unfair pricing and the selling of shoddy goods and services.
Consumers are continually urged to be on your guard and report any anomalies in the marketplace. They should always be proactive and assert their rights at all times. It is their right to choose products and services at competitive prices with an assurance of quality and all stakeholders need to honour the rights of consumers. And as we approach the festive season, consumers need to buy wisely and ensure that they get their money’s worth.
CCZ offices are always open to consumers and every stakeholder in the economy for feedback and suggestions so that we are able to respond to their needs speedily, after all our strength lies in our numbers. Consumers need to make use of our toll-free line to report any poor and unfair business practices so that remedial action is taken.
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