The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) calls on all retailers, manufacturers and service providers to properly remove zeros as announced by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) in its Mid-Term Monetary Policy Statement.
CCZ has conducted a snap survey of prices in supermarkets in the five regions CCZ is represented in. The price surveys have been conducted within 7 days after the last price survey in July and it has been discovered that some of the shops have increased prices in the wake of the removal of zeros. It is a cause for concern to say prices can change so significantly within such a short period. Retailers must not take the removal of zeros as an opportunity for them to increase prices. Whilst CCZ notes that manufacturer prices may have changed leading to a change in the selling price of a commodity, this is not always the case for all products.
All supermarkets have not taken heed of the calls made by the Reserve Bank Governor, Dr Gideon Gono, not to increase prices whilst removing zeros. It is important that retailers and service provider do not give lip service by saying they support the turnaround of the economy when they go and raise prices in the name of removing zeros. We should all be seen to do something positive for the economy. The price increases only make the situation worse for consumers. We call upon law enforcement agents and relevant authorities to do something about the behaviour of some of these supermarkets, to cushion consumers who are reeling under high inflation and high prices.
CCZ commends those who have removed zeros properly without increasing prices. Retailers, manufacturers and service providers should not effect price increases without justification.
Some examples of price increases noted in surveys conducted by CCZ are as follows: |
