Submissions to the review of unit pricing regulations in supermarkets have been opened by the Australian Government Treasury as part of a broader consultation program.
The review aims to enhance the Unit Pricing Code, making price comparisons easier and more transparent for consumers. It addresses ongoing concerns about inconsistent or misleading unit pricing practices, while also creating a fairer and more transparent supermarket pricing system.
Consumer group Choice has also encouraged shoppers and industry stakeholders to participate, highlighting the importance of unit pricing as a tool to help people save money on groceries.
“It’s crucial that this consultation leads to stronger rules and penalties to crack down on supermarkets doing the wrong thing and undermining the consumer’s ability to choose the best value product,” said Andy Kelly, Choice’s deputy director of campaigns and communications.
The consultation also seeks feedback on how to tackle shrinkflation, when product sizes shrink but prices stay the same or increase, to protect consumers from paying more for less.
“To make shrinkflation more transparent, and help people avoid spending extra unknowingly, clear labels on shelves should alert customers to when a product has shrunk, but the price has remained the same or increased,” Kelly added.
“Choice supports strong penalties for dodgy unit pricing to help the ACCC clamp down on supermarkets doing the wrong thing.”
The public consultation is now open, and interested parties can submit their feedback through the Treasury’s website.