A survey by the National Consumer Agency has confirmed large reductions in grocery prices over the past six months.
The biggest price reductions have been in the Tesco stores that have implemented a new pricing initiative.
However, the most expensive stores are the Tesco outlets where the 'Change for Good' programme has not been rolled out.
On branded goods, the survey finds that Dunnes Stores and Tesco are closely matched on prices, with only minor differences between them for a basket of 68 branded products.
SuperValu is also competing well in the border regions.
Aldi and Lidl are close to each other on the price of their own brand products.
The title of cheapest retailer can go to either depending on what goods are in the basket.
Tesco is significantly narrowing the gap with Aldi and Lidl on own brand items.
However, Dunnes does not appear to be responding as aggressively in that area.
50% of shoppers have changed their habits since the start of the year, with more than a third saying they now buy less than at the start of the year.
