Consumers tighten budget as prices continue upward march

Dubai: The UAE has again been hit by steep rises in the prices of essential products, forcing consumers to tighten their budgets yet again.

The latest data released by the Ministry of Economy (MoE) revealed significant price increases in most basic commodities, particularly among various varieties of fruit and vegetables.

According to the latest consumer price index, a kilo of Jordanian tomatoes has risen to Dh3.65, up from just Dh2.75 two weeks ago.

The UAE short cucumber, which was Dh4.65 per kilo, now costs Dh5.95.

Dry red onions from India rose from Dh.1.45 per kilo to Dh1.65.

Also hit by the price rise is white sugar. A two-kilo bag of locally packed white sugar jumped to Dh3.70 from Dh3.15.