At a press conference today, Minister of Economy and Industry Eli Cohen today presented the findings of a comparative survey on toiletries in Israel. According to the survey, there are significant differences in prices between Israel and 13 other countries in the world. The survey is part of the government campaign to lower the cost of living in Israel.
Cohen said, "We are beginning today with toiletries, a sector consisting mostly of imports. We all sensed that toiletries cost more in Israel than in the rest of the world. The basket of imported products was 48% more expensive than in the countries we checked."
The Ministry of Economy and Industry has conducted a comparative review in recent months to examine the level of selected toiletry and cleaning product prices in Israel in comparison with 13 countries around the world in order to assess the price differences and analyze their causes. In view of the findings, the Ministry of Economy and Industry summoned the authorized importers, who recently gave their comments about the differences. Cohen stated, "The cost of living mission has been neglected a little neglected in recent year. In recent months, senior staff at the Ministry of Economy and Industry has taken measures to address the cost of living."
Cohen added, "50% of the population in Israel earns less than NIS 7,000 a month. According to OECD figures, the basket of products is 19% more expensive in Israel than in the rest of the world, meaning that our money is worth less. I come from the business sector, but I believe in fair trading, not in piggish profits… The Israeli consumer will no longer be a sucker; I won't let others make a profit at his expense."
Participants in the event included Ministry of Economy and Industry director general Shay Rinsky, recently appointed Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Authority director Advocate Michael Atlan, Antitrust Authority director general Advocate Michal Halperin, Israel Consumer Council CEO Josh Goldschmidt, and Ministry of Economy and Industry senior division director - planning and policies Michal Fink.
Examples of the report's findings: Colgate family toothpaste, on average 36% more expensive in Israel; Colgate Total Whitening toothpaste, on average 46% more expensive; Colgate Total Clean Mint 61% more expensive; Colgate MaxWhite 91% more expensive; Gillette Spped Stick Power deodorant 69% more expensive; Lady Speed Stick Gel 78% more expensive.
Published by Globes [online], Israel Business News - www.globes-online.com - on June 8, 2017
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