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Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
THE cost of living for a family of six decreased by 0,01 percent to $593,13 as of end of October from $593,17 in September, according to the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe(CCZ).

Rosemary Siyachitema, the CCZ executive director, attributed the decrease to promotions introduced by retailers.

“As CCZ we’ve observed that the slight decreases in prices is due to promotions introduced by other shops for example Hoza Summer by Spar and Best Buy in TM in October this year,” she said.

Siyachitema said a survey conducted by CCZ revealed that the price for 500g of margarine decreased by 23c from $2,15 to $1,92 while a 250g packet of tea leaves now costs $1,67 from $1,99.

A 500ml of fresh milk decreased in price by 10c from $0,72 to $0,62, while the price of a 2kg flour is pegged at $1,82 from $1,86.

The price of a 2kg packet of rice is now $1,56 from $1,87 while 500g of salt now cost $0,28 from $0,29.

The price for a kilogramme of tomatoes dropped by 11c from $0,76 to $0,65 while a kilogramme of onions costs $0,69 from $1,16 with a head of cabbage now pegged at $0,44 from $0,87.

Siyachitema, however, said increases were recorded in mealie- meal where a 20kg now costs $11,82 from $11,43.

A 2kg of sugar increased by 11c from $1,75 to $1,86 while a 750ml of cooking oil increased to $1,58 from $1,50.

The cost of a kilogramme of beef rose from $4,01 to $4,70, bathing soap increased from $0,55 to $0,66 while washing powder increased by 16c from $0,89 from $1,05.

The price of bread and laundry bars remained unchanged from the end of September 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.