Choices under price rising

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-06-2008 14:12

China's consumer price index rose 7.1 percent year-on-year in January. That's its fastest pace in more than 11 years. Food prices surged nearly 20 percent and have been cited as one of the major factors driving up the index.

It's a shopping day for this couple in Beijing.

Beijing resident Su Aiping said, "Some vegetables are getting  expensive now, but you can always find the most economical and  nutritious combination."

Their incomes are close to the city's average. The husband, Xiangtao, also gets monthly subsides from the local government for his physical disabilities.

His wife Aiping puts pork on the top of the day's shopping list. But this year, they have to be really careful about how much they buy.

Beijing resident Meng Xiangtao said, "Pork prices were very high last month, but now it's been lowered a bit. I think we are not buying as much pork as last year."

Many Chinese believe that fish is good for the brain so it's a popular item for kids.

Meng Xiangtao said, "The current fish price is high for us. I bought it just for my children."

In a typical Beijing food market like this, buying vegetables usually takes more time than getting meat and fish.

Vegetables from all over the country are available here. It's only a matter of getting good prices.

More choices means more bargains.

Beijing resident Su Aiping said, "Some vegetables are getting expensive now, but you can always find the most economical and nutritious combination. Today I got spinach, bean sprouts, chives and Tofu for very good prices. I think cabbage prices are very stable, so we buy it very often."

The couple didn't buy any fruit today. They came here a little late and missed out on the good deals.

After getting enough food for 2 days, they didn't hesitate when choosing other living necessities like wash basins and brooms.

Su Aiping said, "I don't see any price increase in these goods. Their prices are totally acceptable."

It's time for the couple to make lunch before their kids are back from school.

Incomes are rising, so is the consumer price index. The CPI hit a decade-high at the beginning of the year and the trend is likely to continue for a while. But figures may seem abstract to average Chinese. Making ends meet and putting a little aside is their main concern. And that's why the government is making all the efforts it can to keep the economy and prices stable, and along with them, people's livelihoods.

Editor:Zhang Ning