Survey shows textbook prices up five per cent

The Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) says Jamaicans will on average pay five per cent more for textbooks this academic year.

The CAC says this figure is based on a survey of 130 text books in 59 book outlets in the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area and all except one parish.

The agency says the increase follows the trend of the average five percent increase from 2010 to 2011within the Greater Kingston Metropolitan Area.

But it says the average price increase within other urban centres is 6 per cent, representing a 2 per cent increase over last year.

The Annual Schoolbook Survey, conducted between July 30 and August 3, is based on an analysis of price movements.

The findings indicate that price fluctuations are consistent with the Statistical Institute’s 5.9 per cent inflation rate for the period July 2011 to June 2012.

The CAC says prices of secondary textbooks recorded an average price increase of 6 per cent compared with 2011 where the figure was 5 per cent.

However, the prices of primary textbooks recorded an average price increase of 4 per cent increase compared with 2011 where the figure was 6 per cent.

The CAC is urging parents to use the supplementary list endorsed by the Education Ministry of Education and where possible use the National Textbook Rental Scheme or purchase pre-owned books.

The Commission is also urging bookstores to assist purchasers to identify updated versions of books, so they purchase the correct books and sell old stock at lower prices.

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