A survey of prices in the Republic has found major variations in the prices charged for items such as CDs, alcohol, petrol and baked beans in Cavan and Dublin.
The survey, conducted by inspectors in the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, found a difference of €8.05 in the price of a Christina Aguilera CD between two retailers in Cavan town.
Ms Carmel Foley, director of Consumer Affairs, said she was shocked at the huge variations in price, particularly for CDs. "This was not just a once-off, because we found the exact same difference between two shops in Dublin.
"I find this extraordinary and I would urge consumers to take that extra time to save themselves money and to reward the shops that are offering better value for money," she said.
The survey found over 5 cent in the difference for unleaded petrol at two petrol stations beside each other in Cavan town. Car insurance showed up to €337 in the difference between quotes.
"Even a tin of beans varied hugely in price when we compared the branded and unbranded products," Ms Foley said. "We found up to 76 cent in the difference locally for the same sized tin."
The survey found that Guinness drinkers at Bradys, Cavan town, were paying €3.10 for a pint - 80 cent less than their counterparts at the Old Stand in Exchequer Street, Dublin. The Cavan bar was charging €3.50 for a pint of lager, compared with €4.30 in the Dublin pub.
The survey found that customers of Fresh Dry Cleaners in Inchicore, Dublin, were paying €3.50 less to have a lady's suit cleaned than customers of Prescotts in Drumcondra.
The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs is running a price awareness campaign in the run-up to Christmas.
