Dubai: The Ministry of Economy's Consumer Protection Department on Monday fined more than five outlets at Dubai's fruit and vegetable market, during a field visit to verify compliance with preset prices and sales terms. The fines come after initial warnings to traders.
Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department, toured the wholesale and retail market.
The inspection team found the prices of most commodities remained stable and detected no attempts to manipulate the market, Dr Al Nuaimi said.
The team took disciplinary action against outlets that did not display price tags on their products, or violated other Ministry agreements.
The Union Co-operative Society in Al Aweer has reduced the prices of 61 basic commodities by 40 per cent during Ramadan.
This step comes in line with the Ministry of Economy directions to reduce prices and create market stability during the month.
"The UAE Ministry of Economy is committed to supervising UAE consumer markets during Ramadan and will act quickly and decisively to ensure all outlets adhere to the federal consumer protection law," Dr Al Nuaimi said. "We will not show any leniency to price manipulators or monopoly traders."
"Our specialist teams will intensify their visits to monitor sales outlets across the emirates in keeping with the Ministry's priority to ensure consumer protection during the fasting month of Ramadan," he added.
The ministry, he added, welcomes feedback and suggestions from the public and business community to sustain optimal conditions.
