NTUC FairPrice has extended a 5 per cent discount on hundreds of house-brand items until the end of March next year, the longest stretch so far.

This is the fourth time the supermarket chain has prolonged the sale.

The decision, announced on Wednesday, covers 500 products, including staples like bread, rice, milk and cooking oil.

Previously set to expire on Friday, the reduction is meant to help consumers combat inflation, which hit a 26-year high in June.

Along with food, the discount covers non-edible items like disposable utensils, detergent and tissue paper.

With Singapore technically in recession, the chain said this has prompted it to extend the sale.

Another reason for the extension, said FairPrice group chief executive officer Mr Tan Kian Chew is the surge in demand of goods falling under the discount, proof that the 'scheme has served its purpose.'

'Shoppers are tightening their belts by eating in more often,' he explained.

'Recognising this demand, we decided to extend our discount scheme for essential food items to make sure that essential goods will remain available to consumers are affordable costs.'

Sales of the housebrand items have risen by 25 per cent since the discount was first introduced last December.

Other supermarket chains contacted on Wednesday - Giant Hypermarket, Sheng Siong and Cold Storage - also said they will continue to run weekly promotions to sell selected house brand items and other goods at lower prices.