An overwhelming majority of border-town residents blame parallel-goods traders for driving up prices locally, according to a survey released yesterday.
As many as 82 per cent said people who bought products in Hong Kong to sell at a premium on the mainland were pushing up the cost of necessities in their neighbourhood.
Their view was supported by 73 per cent of 100 retailers who were questioned along with the 705 Sheung Shui and Fanling residents in the survey commissioned by North District Council.
The survey found everyday items like shampoo and disinfectant were more expensive compared with nearly 20 kilometres away in Yuen Long, with Dettol costing HK$11.60 more at HK$61.60 and Brand's Bird's Nest jelly costing HK$44.30 more at HK$225.30.
The survey also found that the price for infant milk formula in Sheung Shui was among the lowest in the city. A tin of one Dutch brand, for instance, was HK$70 cheaper than in Tai Po.
The poll was conducted in February - right before the government's two-tin restrictions on infant milk powder. It has been one of the most sought-after products for parallel-goods traders due to mistrust in mainland brands following a series of food-safety scandals in recent years.