New figures comparing the latest consumer prices in Jersey with those in the UK have revealed that the cost of everyday food items such as meat, fruit, fish and other goods like cigarettes, petrol and alcohol is significantly higher here.
Even though this is the lowest rate of increase for two and a half years, the figures from Jersey’s Statistics Unit revealed that:
• Average meat prices are 15% higher than the UK.
• Pre-tax prices on cigarettes are 88p or 71% dearer.
• Pre-tax prices on petrol and diesel is 50% and 46% higher
• Fruit and vegetables are 25% and 14% higher
When the figures were published yesterday afternoon it sparked angry reaction from Treasury Minister Philip Ozouf and Economic Development Minister Alan Mclean. They both expressed disappointment and concern about ‘unexplained profit margins’.
And Jersey’s Consumer Council called for an inquiry into the cost of doing business in Jersey to find out if companies can justify the ‘high’ margins on items.
• Full report in today’s Jersey Evening Post
