Muslims bracing for the fasting month of Ramadan later this month will be able to buy up to 27 food items cheaper by nearly 30 per cent as part of a Ramadan price-cut initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Economy.

Supermarkets, cooperative societies and other shopping outlets will offer baskets containing between 13 and 27 foodstuffs next week to allow Muslims to cater for Ramadan and avert a rush in the fasting month.

A small basket will cost around Dh85 while the larger basket will be sold at Dh185 and both will include various food items, vegetables and fruits.

“These baskets will be offered by key shopping outlets next week to allow all consumers to cater for Ramadan…the prices of these baskets will be nearly 30 per cent less,” said Hashim Al Nuaimi, director of the consumer protection division at the Ministry of Economy.

He said the small basket could be enough for a family of five for one week and will include rice, flour, sugar, tea, egg, milk, water, date and other items.

Nuaimi told the Arabic language daily Emirat Alyoum that food suppliers have also assured the Ministry that there would be no rise in the prices of meat during Ramadan, which is expected to start on July 20 or 21.