Dubai: Shoppers can report unfair price hikes, overcharging and any vendor who fails to display stock prices during the holy month of Ramadan to the Consumer Protection Department(CPD).

Officials from the Ministry of Economy’s CPD have already started visiting different markets across the UAE to spotcheck for any violations.

The Department of Economic Development (DED) has confirmed any violations of consumer rights will be taken seriously.

It has instructed traders in the Central Fruit and Vegetable Market in Dubai to display prices of their merchandise.

Before the start of the holy month, the department held several meetings with fruit and vegetable vendors, and fish and meat traders, to raise awareness, asking them to keep prices stable.

Abdulla Al Shehi, Director of the Commercial Compliance and Consumer Protection (CCCP) Division of DED said: “The Department of Economic Development is maintaining a strict watch of any violations of consumer rights, especially during the peak season.

“An essential element of consumer rights is the right to know, which implies that consumers should have complete and accurate information of all aspects, including prices, of the goods and services they purchase.”

Consumers complain of a price hike before and during Ramadan.

In Abu Dhabi there have been reports of consumers complaining of being overcharged by more than 60 per cent and, in some cases, prices have even doubled.

Earlier, Dr Hashem Al Nuaimi, who held meetings with the suppliers of Fruits and Vegetables Committee in Dubai regarding the prices, told Gulf News vendors had agreed not to raise prices and that the violators of the price cap would be fined between Dh5,000 and Dh100,000.

To cater to the rise in demand during Ramadan, supplies have also been increased by almost 50 per cent, said Al Nuaimi.

On average, an increase in demand of 20 per cent to 30 per cent is recorded during the holy month from Muslim families, and authorities have advised people to resist from hoarding.

Al Shehi added: “The right to representation is also part of consumer rights and DED encourages consumers to report any violation that comes to their notice.“

Consumers can report violations by calling Ahlan Dubai on +971 600 545555.”