Dubai: The Ministry of Economy Wednesday urged retailers to refrain from price manipulation and to reduce prices of essential commodities during Ramadan, the month of fasting, when there is a tendency to raise prices.
A special committee will monitor the market to ensure prices remain under control.
Officials of the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy met major retail outlets and local departments in Dubai and the northern emirates to implement an integrated plan to ensure reduction of prices and market stability during Ramadan.
Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department, asked retail outlets to commit to the federal laws that regulate the relationship between the trader and the consumer, and to prevent any attempts at price manipulation and to increase the items in the Ramadan basket, so as to offer more basic commodities at low prices. He said the Ministry of Economy was committed to ensuring that essential commodities are not hoarded or prices manipulated.
Al Nuaimi said that during Ramadan there will be a special committee to monitor markets by organising field visits to major retail outlets.
There will be two kinds of Ramadan baskets this year, one for fruit and vegetables and the other for major items with a cost ranging from Dh200 to Dh250 for foodstuffs which will be sufficient for an average family for one week.
Al Nuaimi asked retail outlets to create awareness of the special offers and agreed with major outlets on a price list for Ramadan, details of which will be announced shortly.
Retail outlet representatives welcomed the ministry's suggestions and praised its early efforts to create price stability during Ramadan.
Al Nuaimi said the ministry is keen to receive any complaints and will deal with them immediately with the concerned authorities.
