News / National
Zim's cost of living increases by 0.06 percent
07 Feb 2012 at 05:35hrs | Views
A low income family of six needed $576,69 to survive in January from $545,35 in December, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has said.
In a statement, it said the cost of living increased by 0,06 percent.
The CCZ attributed the upward rise in prices mainly to the weakening of the United States dollar against the South African rand.
The CCZ said it was concerned that prices were not reduced when the rand weakened against the dollar.
"Retailers are quick to increase prices when the rand strengthens against the dollar and yet they ignore when it is the other way round."
The food basket increased from $162,94 in December 2011 to $164,16 in January this year.
"CCZ noted that in the month of January 2012 certain products in the food basket have increased from the previous month, whilst others have maintained or slightly reduced their prices."
Onions, margarine and tea leaves dominated the list as onions rose by 29 cents, tea leaves by 20 cents and margarine by 19 cents.
CCZ indicated that locally manufactured products were increasing on shelves, but still not being produced and supplied at adequate levels to instil confidence in the public.
At the moment most of the basic commodities are being imported from neighbouring countries as most companies are still under-capitalised.
The cost of the transport basket, rent, water and electricity, health, education, clothing and footwear rose from $369 in December 2011 to $399 in January 2012 reflecting a 0,08 percent increase.
"The increase is attributed to the raise in rentals which is $180 from $150 per month ($60 per room) for the month of January and it is anticipated that in the compilation of the February basket, rentals will revert to the December rate as per the directive of the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Giles Mutsekwa," the consumer body said.
The CCZ said it was also concerned about transport fare increases at peak hours when people were desperate to get to work or home early.
"CCZ will continue to monitor the situation closely and continue to advocate for fairer and affordable rate and price."
In a statement, it said the cost of living increased by 0,06 percent.
The CCZ attributed the upward rise in prices mainly to the weakening of the United States dollar against the South African rand.
The CCZ said it was concerned that prices were not reduced when the rand weakened against the dollar.
"Retailers are quick to increase prices when the rand strengthens against the dollar and yet they ignore when it is the other way round."
The food basket increased from $162,94 in December 2011 to $164,16 in January this year.
"CCZ noted that in the month of January 2012 certain products in the food basket have increased from the previous month, whilst others have maintained or slightly reduced their prices."
CCZ indicated that locally manufactured products were increasing on shelves, but still not being produced and supplied at adequate levels to instil confidence in the public.
At the moment most of the basic commodities are being imported from neighbouring countries as most companies are still under-capitalised.
The cost of the transport basket, rent, water and electricity, health, education, clothing and footwear rose from $369 in December 2011 to $399 in January 2012 reflecting a 0,08 percent increase.
"The increase is attributed to the raise in rentals which is $180 from $150 per month ($60 per room) for the month of January and it is anticipated that in the compilation of the February basket, rentals will revert to the December rate as per the directive of the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Giles Mutsekwa," the consumer body said.
The CCZ said it was also concerned about transport fare increases at peak hours when people were desperate to get to work or home early.
"CCZ will continue to monitor the situation closely and continue to advocate for fairer and affordable rate and price."
Source - TC
