UAE | Government
Minister criticised for escalation of prices
The Minister of Economy was criticised by the Federal National Council on Monday for failing to protect consumers against the escalation of prices during the opening session of the house in its 14th legislative chapter.
- By Samir Salama, Bureau Chief
- Published: 21:00 November 19, 2007
Abu Dhabi: The Minister of Economy was criticised by the Federal National Council on Monday for failing to protect consumers against the escalation of prices during the opening session of the house in its 14th legislative chapter.
FNC member Abdullah Balhn Al Shehi of Ras Al Khaimah, accused Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Economy, of doing nothing to prevent rising prices other than stopping movie theatre tickets from escalating.
"But the cinema is not the bread of the public who suffered most from the rocketing of prices," Al Shehi said.
The FNC member questioned what the ministry did to stop the increase in fuel prices and rents, which he blamed for the inflation in the UAE.
He also questioned the ministry's role in supporting cooperative societies to maintain a low price for household needs.
"Did the ministry submit any viable recommendations to the Cabinet to subsidise basic foods such as in neighbouring countries," the member asked.
Intervention
Al Shehi accused the ministry for not even regulating gas prices across the emirates.
The Minister of Economy responded by saying this was not the question asked of her initially.
She said, "The ministry formed a higher committee for protecting consumers, under the chairmanship of the Minister of Economy and with membership of representatives from 21 other local and federal authorities."
Shaikha Lubna highlighted the ministry's intervention to prevent inflation of prices of rice, bread, bottled water, cement and movie tickets.
Shaikha Lubna added that the ministry also fined 150 unscrupulous dealers for attempting to hike prices without justification.
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