Food outlets increasing prices during Ramadan face closure

Dubai: Food outlets found increasing their prices during Ramadan could face closure, a statement issued by the Ministry of Economy said on Tuesday.

The ministry will launch a new campaign to inspect supermarkets and prevent them from raising food prices during the month of fasting.

Some food outlets have been found to take advantage during Ramadan and raise their prices at this time, which is against the consumer protection law according to the UAE Ministry of Economy.

The federal body will launch an inspection campaign to prevent any possible manipulation or monopolisation and to ensure stable prices.

The ministry will coordinate with cooperatives and major retail outlets to prepare a cost price food basket for consumers. Inspectors from the ministry will inspect retail outlets all over the UAE during Ramadan to ensure that prices remain at levels agreed upon and to avoid any possible manipulation by traders.

If any consumers find their favourite products cost more than the usual, they can call the hotline number to notify the ministry, said the statement.

"The ministry is always on the lookout to enhance the stability of the market and control price rises. During Ramadan some traders tend to take advantage of the situation and increase prices. Through its offices all over the UAE, the Ministry of Economy will take strict steps against any such attempt to exploit consumers," said Mohammad Ahmad Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehi, Undersecretary - Planning Sector at the Ministry of Economy.

The ministry has already held a series of meetings with the agencies concerned to ensure the smooth flow of the campaign. They have met with poultry production companies, who have pledged their commitment to the initiative.

The ministry has issued a circular in Arabic, English and Urdu to all retailers and suppliers warning them against any exploitation during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr. Violators will be punished according to consumer protection law number (24), the ministry has cautioned. Penalties could even lead to closing down the violating outlets.

The ministry has issued a circular in Arabic, English and Urdu to all retailers and suppliers warning them against any exploitation during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr.

Complaints: Ministry hotline

Consumers can complain to the Ministry of Economy by calling 600522225