Rand volatility brings no joy to Zimbabweans

Published: 02 July 2013

The volatility of the South African rand has brought no joy for Zimbabwean consumers who expected the weakening of the rand against the US dollar to contribute to the lowering of prices.

There was an expectation that the weak rand, which has been sliding between 8,46 and 9,8 to the dollar in the past few months would mean lower prices as Zimbabwe imports most commodities from Down South.

However, according to the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe this had not been the case as the cost of living increased by 0,54 percent to US$564,73 in the month of June from US$561,73 in May.

CCZ said the just ended supermarket promotions had also contributed to the increase in the cost of living.

The food basket increased by US$3,38 or 2,26 percent from US$149,70 in May to US$153,08 in June. Prices of detergents decreased by 2,47 percent from US$12,97 in May to US$12,65 during the period under review and laundry bars went down by 10c from US$1,35 to US$1,25.

Mealie meal, which had gone down by US$1 in May to US$10,78, increased by US$1,08 to US$11,86 for 20kg roller meal. A 500g packet of margarine went up 23c from US$2,19 to US$2,42 while the price of 2kg flour increased 14c from US$1,85 in May to US$1,99 last month.

Rice went up by 16c from US$1,69 in May to US$1,85 a kg in the following month and a kilogramme of onions increased 9c from US$1,30 to US$1,39.

The prices of bath soap went up 2c from 85c to 87c for a tab and butcheries increased the prices of beef by an average of 40c from US$3,90 to US$4,30/kg in June.

Decreases in prices were recorded in white sugar, which went down by 25c from US$2,20 to US$1,95.

Fresh milk went down 3c from 73c to 70c while a kilogramme of tomatoes decreased by 33c from 98c to 65c and cabbage by 20c from 70c to 50c per head.

The prices of the other basic commodities which include tea leaves, cooking oil, bread, salt and washing powder remained unchanged from the May figures.

CCZ encouraged consumers to shop conscientiously and to always buy certified products and examine if the products they are purchasing are well labelled, packaged and provided with vital information such as manufacturing and expiry dates.
- herald