Retail Price Comparisons
The Statistics Unit produces an annual report that compares prices for a range of products in the UK, Guernsey and Jersey.
The report examines the rate at which prices have changed by looking at the behaviour of the groups and sections that constitute the Retail Prices Index in each jurisdiction. Additionally, direct comparisons of prices are made where possible in order to give an indication of relative price levels.
The latest report shows that:
- the overall increase of the RPI over the 5-year period from June 2005 to June 2010 has been similar in Jersey (16%), Guernsey (15%) and the UK (17%)
- during the 12 months to June 2010 the RPI increased by 2.8% in Jersey, by 2.3% in Guernsey and by 5.0% in the UK
- a significant difference between the 3 jurisdictions is the type and amount of tax that is imposed on certain goods and services. Underlying inflation, which removes the effect of indirect taxes and is measured by the annual change in RPI(Y) , was 2.7% in Jersey, 2.1% in Guernsey and 3.8% in the UK in June 2010
- direct food comparisons show that meat prices were, on average, about a quarter higher in Jersey than in the UK and the cost of fresh fruit and vegetables was almost a third higher in Jersey in June 2010
- the mean retail price of beer and lager was higher in Jersey than in the UK, by 10p and 6p per pint, respectively
- the mean retail price of a pack of 20 cigarettes was lower in Jersey than in the UK, by about 65p per pack
- the mean retail price of unleaded petrol and diesel was lower in Jersey than in the UK, by 13p per litre
- pre-tax prices for alcohol, tobacco and motor fuels were higher in Jersey than in the UK: alcohol by over a quarter and cigarettes and motor fuels (petrol and diesel) each by around two-fifths
- pre-tax prices for alcohol, tobacco and motor fuels were all slightly lower in Jersey than in Guernsey
Price comparison report for June 2010 (government and administration section)
When is the next report due for release?
The Price Comparison Report: June 2011 will be released on Wednesday 31 August 2011.
Find out more about the Retail Prices Index