The Bhutanese Leading the way.
In a bid to offer consumers, businesses, and policymakers’ valuable insights, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (CCAA) unlike previous years, where data was sourced from only six towns, CCAA has now included all dzongkhag towns, ensuring a broader and more detailed overview of essential goods prices. This expansion aims to assist in economic planning, market research, investment decisions, and informed consumer purchases.
CCAA’s latest survey, conducted in late September 2023, provides a comprehensive look at the prices of essential commodities across 22 locations.
Out of the 22 locations the prices of essential commodities are in 4 locations, namely Thimphu, Chhukha, Phuentsholing, and Gelephu.
The data reveals significant variations in the prices of commonly used products. For example, just within Thimphu there is a variation in prices.
Rice prices vary significantly between brands and packaging sizes with SK Gold 25 kg pack selling between Nu 1150 and 1050. Basmati Rice Tibar of 26 kg pack sold between Nu 1,650 and 1,250.
Atta and Maida sold between Nu 70 and 50 for 1 kg. Moong dal varied from Nu 145 and 100 for 1 kg.
Processed dairy products like cheese and butter show notable price differences, with Amul being a premium choice. 1 kg Amul cheese sold between Nu 590 and 445. Local egg prices varied between Nu 460 and 330 per tray of 30 eggs.
A 400 gram milkpower everyday was between Nu 445 and 200. Saffola Salt was between Nu 50 and 35 per kg for.
The price of 5 kg Soybean oil saffola gold varied from Nu 1,200 to 850.
Instant noodles and tea leaves maintain relatively stable prices across brands, with slight fluctuations.
While these prices provide a snapshot of the market in late September 2023, it is essential to note that costs can vary between shops and locations and change regularly.
All prices are averages based on data collected from 10 shops in each location.
The other 18 remaining locations where the survey was also conducted are Samdrup Jongkhar, Pemagatshel, Gasa, Paro, Haa, Wangdiphodrang, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Samtse, Mongar, Lhuentse, Tashigang, Tashiyangtse, Sarpang, Tsirang, Dagana, and Zhemgang.
