The National Development Council (NDC) has launched an online database that provides regularly updated prices for 60 consumer products.
The Cabinet used to send people to local markets every month to gather pricing information on 15 daily commodities. But now, the online database is supported by retail information from Taiwan’s electronic receipt system. Consumers can now access regularly updated prices for fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, beverages, and other daily commodities.
NDC official Wu Ming-hui said on Monday that the database also provides historical data for comparison.
“We also offer graphs and charts that people can download," said Wu. "The charts contain historical data that allow you to compare, for example, pork prices in previous months. The earliest data can be traced back to January, 2014. This is not only useful for the public, it can also help government agencies to monitor consumer prices. If there are abnormal fluctuations, the government can quickly get a handle on the situation.”
The NDC said that the web site also documents the price of oil, electricity, water, and liquefied petroleum gas. However, right now the information is only updated once a month. The NDC is planning to start providing weekly updates in May.