Supermarkets hike prices

MOST supermarkets and other retail outlets in Bulawayo and Gweru have increased prices of basic grocery items to take advantage of the last minute rush for Christmas shopping. The situation is likely to be the same in other cities and towns.

A survey by the state media, Chronicle yesterday revealed that prices of most basic goods have gone up by between 30 cents and $1.

In one leading chain supermarket in Gweru and Bulawayo, a 2kg packet of  Pro-brand and Mahatma rice was going for $2,54 and $2,99 respectively.

The price of rice has been generally between $1,79 and $2,10 before the increases.

Victoria Self Raising Floor, brown, was going for $2,22 while other brands were going for between $1,69 and $1,89.

The flour prices have been ranging between $1,40 and $2 before the increase.

At yet another leading chain supermarket the price of 2kg brown sugar has been reviewed from $1,68 to $2,10.

Cooking oil prices differed from shop to shop with the locally produced cooking oil, Panol, going for $5,26 up from $5,09 for two litres.

The development comes at a time when retail outlets should be offering Christmas specials.

"This year it is different, one would expect Christmas specials, but funny enough things are going up," said Mrs Thenjiwe Ndlovu of Pumula South in Bulawayo.

She said she acknowledged that the demand for the goods was high during this time of the year, but retail outlets should at least repay shoppers for their loyalty.

"We have been faithful to these people, but they are taking advantage of us, knowing very well that we don't have any choice," said Mrs Ndlovu.

Mrs Loraine Makoni from Gweru's Mkoba Village 12 said she was forced to adjust her budget after she realised that prices of most products in shops had been increased.

"I checked the price of basic commodities last week and made my budget but when I was doing my actual shopping today, I then realised that the prices have changed. I was forced to spend more money than I had budgeted for," said Mrs Makoni who was doing shopping for Christmas at a leading city supermarket.

Mr Elton Choga also from Gweru accused shops of taking advantage of the festive season to increase prices.

"These people running grocery shops know that people have money to spend hence these increases in prices. They know that the majority of civil servants are getting their bonuses this month so they want to make super profits," said Mr Choga, a teacher by profession.

An official at one of Gweru's leading supermarkets confirmed price increases for most basic goods.

"We received a directive from our head office in Harare to adjust prices and we effected the new prices last week," said the official who could, however, not give the reasons for the price increases.

Contacted for comment Consumer Council of Zimbabwe executive director Ms Rosemary Siyachitema said it was sad that retailers often took advantage of consumers during this time of the year.

She said there was a need for a policy framework to protect consumers from such random price increases.

"There is a need for a consumer protection law that will seek to stop this unethical behaviour by business people," said Ms Siyachitema.

Recently the prices of low and high-grade quality beef were increased by more than 30 percent.

Most butcheries are selling commercial beef at $5,40 per kg  up from $3,40.

At braai spots beef costs as much as $9 per kilogramme.

Beverages manufacturer, Delta Beverages, also increased the price of beer recently.