The Squeeze on Your Wallet Is Real
Several of India’s largest consumer goods companies have announced plans for another round of price hikes starting from August 2026. This isn't just a feeling; it's a confirmed strategy affecting many of the products you buy regularly. Items like soaps,
detergents, toothpaste, cooking oil, and even packaged foods are expected to become more expensive, with some increases projected between 6% and 8%. Companies point to rising costs for raw materials, international supply chain issues, and geopolitical tensions as the primary reasons for passing the burden onto consumers. This latest wave comes just ahead of the festive season, a time when household spending is already high, making smart shopping more crucial than ever.
Your Secret Shopping Weapon: Unit Pricing
In the face of rising prices, your best defence is not just looking at the MRP (Maximum Retail Price), but understanding the unit price. What is it? Simply put, the unit price is the cost per standard unit of measurement, like the price per 100 grams or per 100 millilitres. For example, a 500g jar of jam might seem cheaper than a 1kg jar, but the unit price will tell you which one is actually better value for money. It cuts through confusing packaging and promotional offers to reveal the true cost of what you're buying. Think of it as an X-ray for prices; it shows you what’s really there, beyond the shiny wrapper and bold numbers.
Beware the Hidden Trap of Shrinkflation
Even more subtle than a direct price hike is the tactic of 'shrinkflation'. This is when companies keep the price of a product the same but reduce its quantity. Have you ever noticed your favourite biscuit packet feels a little lighter, or a bar of soap doesn't last as long as it used to? That’s shrinkflation at work. For instance, a popular soap brand might reduce its bar from 155 grams to 135 grams while keeping the price at ₹30. You're still paying the same amount, but you're getting less product, which is effectively a hidden price increase. Companies often use this strategy to avoid alarming price-sensitive customers, but it makes checking the unit cost even more important.
How to Be a Unit Price Pro
Calculating the unit price is easier than you think. You don't need to be a math genius; you just need the calculator on your phone. The formula is simple: Total Price ÷ Quantity = Unit Price. Let's say you're comparing two bottles of cooking oil. Bottle A is 900ml for ₹180. Bottle B is 1 litre (1000ml) for ₹195. At first glance, Bottle A seems cheaper. Let's do the math. For Bottle A: ₹180 / 900ml = ₹0.20 per ml. For Bottle B: ₹195 / 1000ml = ₹0.195 per ml. Suddenly, it’s clear that Bottle B offers better value. To make comparisons even easier, always convert quantities to the same unit, like grams or millilitres. Some supermarkets display the unit price on the shelf tag, but it's a good habit to calculate it yourself, especially at local kirana stores.
Putting It Into Practice
Start by applying this to a few key items on your next shopping trip. Compare two different brands or sizes of atta, dal, shampoo, or tea. You might be surprised by what you find. The 'value pack' isn't always the best value once you break down the unit cost. Likewise, the cheapest item on the shelf might contain significantly less product, making it more expensive in the long run. This isn't about being stingy; it's about being smart. By focusing on unit cost, you ensure every rupee you spend is working as hard as possible for you and your family. It empowers you to make informed decisions based on value, not just on packaging or perceived price.
