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| News & Features |
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| Family Basket increases to $141 000.00 |
| 2nd November 2006 |
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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 has risen from$112 034.53 in September to $141 706.79 in October, reflecting a 26.4% increase. In terms of US Dollars the Family Basket shifted from US$448.14 in September to US$566.83 in October.
In the month of October notable increases were recorded in Health which rose by 68.2%, Bread by 46.4%, Washing Powder by 46.9%, Bath Soap by 44.5%, Meat by 45.1%, Rice by 41.6%, Clothing and Footwear by 40%, Cooking Oil by 30.7% and White Sugar by 38.6%. The major mover for October was Health as consultation fees and costs of medicines increased at most clinics in the month. Flour continues to be unavailable on the market in all the five regions with CCZ representation, a situation that has slowly degenerated into an acute shortage of the commodity exposing most consumers to exorbitant prices for the commodity when they buy it on the parallel market. In the month of October prices increased at an accelerated rated, the total cost of the family basket increased at an increased rate by 26.4% in October whilst in September it increased by 16.3%.
CCZ applauds the gazetting of the National Incomes and Pricing Commission Bill, as a move that will pave way for the much-anticipated National Incomes and Pricing Commission and resultantly the protection of consumers with regards to pricing of goods and services and income related issues. The timeous setting and gazetting of prices is vital to ensuring sustainable access to basic commodities for all consumers, and therefore CCZ urges the relevant authorities to continue expediting the process of setting up the Commission as it will be the only body which will effectively address the woes of many consumers and help maintain a balance where prices and incomes are concerned. CCZ continues to call for the charging of deterrent fines to all those who flout regulations and gazetted prices as that will serve as a discouragement to unlawful activities.
CCZ is deeply concerned with the fuel situation, whose prices have been on a freefall for a long time without an apparent control or enforcement of proper pricing. Commuter Omnibus operators have been taking advantage of this situation to unilaterally hike fares, inducing more pain on the already bleeding consumer. Some consumers have been purchasing fuel at inflated prices in the region of $1 600.00 per litre. CCZ therefore calls on the responsible authorities to bring order into the sector, and to protect consumers from being ripped off by unscrupulous fuel dealers and commuter omnibus operators.
Consumers are continually urged to be alert and report any anomalies in the marketplace. They should not compromise a fairdeal on the marketplace, but 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.
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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