The Ministry of Economy has warned UAE's top retail outlets against overcharging customers.
"The ministry does not see any need to increase price of any item, especially when the present times call for discount," Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director, MoE's Consumer Protection Department, said at a meeting with the representatives of importers and top retail outlets in the country. The meeting aimed at reviewing preparations for Ramadan.
Nuaimi asked consumers not to rush in buying some commodities, especially before Ramadan, for not giving importers and outlets an opportunity to rise prices. He underlined the MoE's keenness to provide all commodities in markets with reasonable prices before Ramadan.
"The MoE started working with all bodies to provide markets all sufficient commodities before Ramadan. There are no fears for the shortage of any commodity, especially strategic commodities, during Ramadan.
"The control on markets will be intensified before Ramadan. Committees have been actually set up to monitor prices in markets and outlets throughout the country. The committees include specialist experts from all concerned bodies to prevent the exploitation of consumers." Nuaimi added.
"Studies conducted recently by the MoE confirm more falls in prices occurred during July and August. This is attributed to the supply and demand factor, decrease of prices of most commodities in origin countries and falling cost of transport and operation." he said.
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