UAE residents seem oblivious to declining commodity rates

Dubai: Falling prices in supermarkets and retail stores around the nation have not yet registered with shoppers, who still wait patiently for a break.

When informed of the recent decrease, Gulf News readers expressed shock.

Bindu Sathianesan, an Indian expatriate, said she usually shopped in a nearby hypermarket and has not noticed any change in prices.

She said: "There are many promotional offers on electronic products, in hypermarkets. However, I doubt the prices of basic commodities will be cut down within a few days."

Nusrat M. Ali, an Indian expatriate, agreed: "Most basic commodities, like milk and sugar, are quite costly. Keeping the increasing house rents in mind, people have to allocate their budget accordingly. The prices should be brought down soon or our financial situation might get affected."

Sathianesan said she wondered why the cost of food items did not ease, considering the fall in oil prices.

She said: "It costs at least Dh18 for a kilogramme of fresh chicken. The same would have cost around Dh11 six months ago."

However, all hope is not lost. Ali Wahab, a Pakistani expatriate and investment manager, preferred shopping in various supermarkets and took note of falling prices.

He said: "I am sure that a tray of eggs costs less than what it used to a few months ago. I believe prices have now stabilised to a certain extent."

Wahab said the authorities must fix the prices of certain commodities that are purchased on a daily basis.

Jessica Heid, a German expatriate, preferred purchasing local produce and confirmed that some items are now being sold on a discounted price.

She said: "The cost of organic eggs had multiplied but has now come down once again. Additionally, I have noticed a slight fall in the cost of soft drinks, juices and vegetables produced in the region."