Shampoo prices soar but beer remains flat

Prices of daily necessities and processed food sold in the capital area went up last month, with shampoo taking the lead.

According to a survey conducted by the Korea National Council of Consumer Organizations over two days in mid-February, 27 items out of 39 daily necessities and processed foods sold at large supermarkets in Seoul and Gyeonggi showed an increase in price, the group announced Saturday. The prices of nine goods surveyed went down while three remained steady.

Shampoo prices jumped up 4.9 percent, or 429 won ($0.40), on month to stand at 9,270 won. Gochujang, or fermented red pepper taste, and ssamjang, a dipping sauce that mixes gochujang, doenjang (fermented soybean paste) and other condiments, both saw their prices rise by 4.4 percent while soda prices went up by 4.1 percent.

Ham prices increased by 3.4 percent, cooking oil by 3.2 percent, sesame oil by 3.1 percent and flour by 2.6 percent. Dry milk, detergent, as well as ramen and snacks followed, with 2.5, 2.4 and 2.1 percent rises in their prices, respectively.

Prices of crab sticks fell 7.9 percent to 2,077 won, while seasoned laver prices fell 4.6 percent to 3,756 won.

Prices of eggs, sanitary pads and doenjang also fell, while those of beverages like water, orange juice and beer remained steady.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]