Comparing prices has always been a strategy to save money, and, at Easter this year, this recommendation remains relevant when shopping. According to research published by local consumer protection departments, the price variation of traditional Holy Week products can reach 300% in the main consumer markets in the Northeast.
This is the case of Fortaleza, where the same 750 milliliter bottle of national red wine was found for R$14.49 and R$59.99 in different establishments, which represents a difference of 314%. A kilo of yellow hake fillet is also among the champions in the price disparity in the capital of Ceará, with a variation of 193% recorded by inspectors.
In São Luís, where prices of chocolate eggs, fish and other 250 items sold were researched, the biggest difference found was in the price charged for canned sardines with tomato sauce – 261.31%. During the inspection period, the same product cost R$4.29 in a supermarket and R$15.50 in an emporium in the capital of Maranhão.
“There are big percentage differences. This research fulfills the function of assisting consumers in planning their budget for Easter, in addition to being a way for our teams to work to prevent abusive practices during this period when people are looking for products for Easter”, commented the president of Procon Maranhão , Karen Barros.
Easter is the sixth most relevant commemorative date for commerce. The National Confederation of Commerce in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) expects total revenue of R$3.44 billion across the country during this period.
Easter Cod: prices also vary above 100%
In Bahia, variations above 100% were recorded in the price of cod, one of the items most sought after by consumers at this time of year. The cheapest option was found at R$52 per kilo, but it can reach close to R$60 in some establishments in Salvador. Croaker fish, a cheaper alternative, can cost from R$19.49 to R$31.99.
In Pernambuco, the Procon survey was carried out in 13 establishments in Recife and detected a variation of up to 195.14% in prices. One of the highlights is the gray shrimp with shell, found at R$26.90, at the cheapest place, and at R$75.90, at the most expensive. Coconut milk, tilapia and yellow hake also had differences of more than 100% in the values practiced.
Chocolate eggs: minor price differences
Chocolate eggs also have price variations, although they are smaller than those found in Good Friday and Easter Sunday lunch products. In Christmas supermarkets, for example, the same product can be found with a 50% discount compared to establishments where they charge more. “Eggs with licensed characters and toys are the most requested by children, and also the most expensive”, informs Procon Natal.
In Aracaju, the same spoon egg can cost up to R$45 more, depending on where it is purchased. In João Pessoa, Procon da Paraíba found a disparity of up to 72.95% between the prices of the same chocolate egg in two wholesale stores. In Fortaleza, another variation that weighs heavily on the pockets of those who don’t compare prices: a 500-gram Easter egg, from the same brand, can be purchased for between R$51.99 and R$116.90 in different establishments.
Read more: Easter should generate R$ 284.24 million in sales in BA, CE and PE
