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MULTIMEDIA: Consumer basket declines

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THE consumer basket for a family of six last month marginally decreased by 0,3% as month-on-month inflation decelerated

THE consumer basket for a family of six last month marginally decreased by 0,3% to $571,51 from $573,22 recorded in prior month as month-on-month inflation decelerated, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has reported.

Report by Business Reporter.

The food basket decreased by $1 to $159,33 from $160,33 in March on the back of price cuts in detergents. The cost of soaps and detergents, which include a tablet of Geisha soap, a bar of laundry soap and 500grammes of washing powder, dropped to $13,18 from $13,89 recorded in prior month.

The cost of living as measured by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe's low income urban earner monthly basket for a family of six decreased fom the March 2013 figure of US$573.22 to US571.51 by the end of April 2013, showing a 0.3% decreased.
The cost of living as measured by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe’s low income urban earner monthly basket for a family of six decreased fom the March 2013 figure of US$573.22 to US571.51 by the end of April 2013, showing a 0.3% decreased.

The consumer watchdog conducts the survey twice during the first and last week of the month.

During the period under review, the cost of 500grammes margarine rose by 4cents to $2,19 while the price of sugar (2kg) increased by 5cents to $2,10, tea leaves increased by 10cents to $1,75. Tomatoes (1kg) and tea leaves (250g) increased by 5cents respectively to 95cents and $1,25.

Further price decreases were recorded in mealie-meal, flour, cabbage, laundry bars, bath soap, meat and washing powders.

“Some of these price fluctuations are caused by various promotions and specials run by supermarkets. Fuel has also decreased between 6cents and 10cents in the last two weeks,” the CCZ said.

The following graphs represent the monthly budget for April for a low income urban earner family of six that includes a mother and father with four children. To view the specific amounts on a particular product just scroll over the bar. To view the subtotal amount on each graph click on the amount tab then scroll over the total amount bar.

Food Costs for low-income family of six | Create infographics

Soaps and detergents | Create infographics

Transport, rent, amenities, education, health | Infographics

Other basic commodities such as cooking oil, bread, fresh milk and salt remained unchanged from the March 2013 figures.

“The CCZ continues to encourage consumers to shop conscientiously and to always buy certified products and where the products are not certified to exercise their right to information by carefully examining if the products they are purchasing are well labeled, packaged and provided with vital information, ”the watchdog said.

In his state of the nation address finance minister Tendai Biti said in the first quarter of this year the country had stable prices levels as recorded by annual inflation in January and February of 2,5% and 2,98%respectively.

Magerine went up by 4c from $2.15 to $2.19.
Magerine went up by 4c from $2.15 to $2.19.

Biti attributed that to the depressed demand due to liquidity constraints and depreciation of the rand.

He said there was a surge in month on month inflation from 0,07% in January to 0,95% in February with major price increases having recorded in bread, cereals, clothing, footwear and rentals and hospital services.

“Notwithstanding the marginal increase in both month on month and annual inflation for the month of February inflation in the outlook period will remain under control mainly due to depressed demand on the back drop of liquidity,” Biti said.