1344.8.55.001 - ACT Stats, 2005  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 12/04/2005   
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MEDIA RELEASE

April 12, 2005
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
49/2005
Retail Price Check in Canberra

Canberra had the lowest retail price for a two litre bottle of milk compared to any other capital city in Australia last Christmas, according to new analysis of data released by the ABS today.

Canberra's milk ($2.69), was 17% lower than the average retail price for two litres of milk in Darwin ($3.15), where milk was most expensive, at December 2004.

The average retail price of unleaded petrol in Canberra was 104.2 cents per litre during the same period. This was above the average petrol price (103.5 cents per litre) of all other capital cities.

Canberra also recorded the lowest average retail price of any capital city for the following alcoholic items:
  • 24 bottles (355ml - 375ml) of low alcohol beer ($22.96)
  • a glass (285ml) of low alcohol beer purchased at a bar ($1.97)
  • a glass (285ml) of full strength draught beer purchased at bar ($2.26)
  • a nip (30ml) of scotch at a public bar ($3.63).

    The most expensive city for these beer items was Perth ($29.60, $3.08 and $3.19 respectively), while Adelaide recorded the highest average retail price for a nip of scotch at $4.89.

    Canberra also recorded the lowest average retail prices for lamb forequarter chops ($7.49 per kg) and legs of lamb ($8.44 per kg), but the highest average retail prices for T-bone steak ($18.63 per kg) and roast beef ($11.84 per kg).

    The largest price increase was for eggs, up 64 cents from $2.71 per dozen in 1999, to $3.35 per dozen in 2004, while the average retail price for a 250 gram block of chocolate was six cents lower ($3.19) than the price recorded in December 1999 ($3.25).

    Further details are found in ACT Stats: Average Retail Prices in the ACT, April 2005 (cat. no. 1344.8.55.001).