Fixed prices for 800 items during Ramadan

Prices of 800 commodities would be locked this Ramadan, as authorities move to protect the consumers from unjust price hikes and help make breaking fast affordable for all.

The Consumer Protection Department (CPD) will publish the prices of all 800 items on its website before the start of Ramadan, so that people are aware of the fixed prices, Gulf News reported.

Hashem Al Nuaimi, Director of CPD, has assured that the department’s inspectors will visit supermarkets all over the country to ensure they are complying with the new regulations.

"The move is part of a wider awareness campaign to educate people against price manipulation and hoarding of food during the month," he said.

"We have agreed with all concerned parties to work together to avoid any manipulation of prices, and we have already established teams to work with the ministry's offices in each emirate and closely monitor the sale of meat, vegetables, fish and chicken at all major retail outlets."

Simultaneously, the department has also launched an awareness campaign to dissuade customers from making rush purchases.

"We will also coordinate awareness campaigns before and during Ramadan to inform consumers on the availability of commodities. This is to avoid the tendency to make rush purchases before and after the month," said Al Nuaimi.

Similarly, the Ministry of Economy (MoE) has warned suppliers of legal action if prices of basic foodstuffs are hiked.

"The MoE has instructed price supervision committees formed by the ministry office in each emirate and other local authorities to conduct field visits around the clock," he said.

"We are keen to place controllers in fruit and vegetable markets to prevent monopolies and any price manipulation and to ensure the implementation of the relevant federal laws."

Consumer spending on food items generally increases during Ramadan, which is likely to begin on August 1 this year, and price manipulation to take advantage of the situation is common during the month every year. This is the reason authorities are making a concerted effort to keep the retailer in a tight leash.

"The UAE has expanded the initiative to fix prices on more products after encouraging lower prices for the first time last year," Al Nuaimi said.

He added that the UAE fixed prices of some basic foodstuffs last year at levels to curb inflation and that there were no complaints.

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