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Rosemary Siyachitema

Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
THE cost of living for a family of six decreased by 0,11 percent to $592,47 last month from $593,13 in October, due to promotions by retailers, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has said.CCZ executive director Rosemary Siyachitema said the promotions were a strategy by retailers to maintain a competitive edge.

“As CCZ, we’ve observed that the above slight decreases in prices are as a result of promotions by OK Zimbabwe, Spar, and Food World, among others. This is generally a strategy devised by retailers to attract more customers while keeping a competitive edge,” she said.

Siyachitema said the CCZ  survey had revealed that the price of 500 grammes of margarine  decreased by 21 cents from $1,92 to $1,71, roller meal 20 kilogrammes decreased by  32 cents from $11,82 to $11,50, sugar 2kg decreased  by 19 cents from $1,86 to $1,67.

Tea leaves 250g dropped from $1,67 to $1,27, cooking oil 2 litres decreased  by 2 cents from $1,58 to $1,56, and laundry bar decreased by 11 cents from $1,27 to $1,16.

Siyachitema, however, said increases were recorded in 500ml of  fresh milk which now costs $0,65 from $0,62, 2kg  flour now costs $1,84 from $1.82, a 2kg bag of rice  increased by  seven cents from $1,56 to $1,63.

Meanwhile, a kg of  tomatoes increased  by three cents from $0,65 to $0,68, onions increased  by six cents from $0,69 to $0,75, cabbages by 15 cents from $0,44 to $0,59, beef by 13 cents from $4,70 to $4,83 and washing powder increased by 10 cents from $1,05 to $1,15.

The price of bread, salt and bath soap remained unchanged from the end of October figures.

Siyachitema urged consumers to shop wisely and buy certified products.

“We encourage consumers to purchase well labelled, packaged and provided products with vital information such as manufacturing and expiry dates,” she said.