LOCALLY manufactured products are cheaper in Harare compared to other towns due to transport costs,a survey carried out by the National Incomes and Pricing Commission (NIPC) has shown.
Business Reporter
The survey came at a time government is planning to set up a price review mechanism as the cost of living continues to rise.
According to a study carried by the NIPC last month in Harare, Mutare, Kadoma and Chivi the products have variations of between 10 cents and 30 cents.
“It was also noted that locally manufactured products are cheaper in Harare as compared to other towns,suggesting that transport costs have a strong bearing in the final prices being charged to consumers,” read part of the survey.
The commission also observed huge price variations for similar brands of commodities in Harare as compared to other areas. The survey also noted price differentials between Harare and Mutare.
“Of great concern, however is the wide price variations between Harare and Chivi with commodities such as 1kg cremora costing $4,24 and $4,12 in Harare and Mutare respectively while one needs to pay $4,70 for the same product in Chivi,” the NIPC said.
Variations of between 30c to $1 were observed for 500ml of Ingram’s camphor cream which cost $2,82 in Harare compared to $3,82 in Mutare and 1kg cremora which cost $4,07 in Kadoma compared to $4,70 in Chivi.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Speaking at the ZimTrade exporters’ conference last month, Vice-President Joice Mujuru said government has plans to put in place measures to put in place a rational pricing system as there are currently serious concerns over high prices of goods and services.
“Our pricing system and structures in this country need urgent attention. Our thinking is still in the Zimdollar era forgetting that we are now dealing with hard currency,” Mujuru said.
