UAE to reduce prices of basic commodities during the month of Ramadan

UAE is set to ease the purchase of 30,000 food items during the month of Ramadan by lowering the prices. The Ministry of Economy announced on Sunday that the country would bid 25 to 75 per cent discounts on food products including rice, flour, sugar, meat, fish and juices, state news agency WAM reported.

The authorities stated that it would carry out 420 inspections to ensure all stores follow the new rule, adding that online requests for charitable donations could be scams.

"These meetings were aimed at raising the level of communication and co-ordination with all suppliers and traders; exchanging information on markets that are exporting to the country; and reviewing their plans to ensure the availability of goods and meet the needs of the markets," said Marwan Al Sboosi, director of the competition and consumer protection department at the Ministry of Economy. "The discussions focused on preparations for Ramadan, ensuring stability of prices and preventing any unjustified price hikes."

The ministry also added that officials had warned traders against unfair price hikes for Ramadan. Nearly 5,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables are imported daily in the capital emirate Abu Dhabi, while in Dubai, the total imports account for around 17,000 tonnes, WAM stated.

Al Sboosi also urged people to follow the coronavirus preventive measures to hinder the further spread of the coronavirus in the country.