Food outlets and supermarket chains in Ajman were warned against hiking prices of essential commodities during the holy month of the Ramadan.

The department of consumer protection and market control at the ADED has recently held meeting with representatives of local chain of supermarkets to discuss guidelines for price regulations during Ramadan.

At the meeting, all parties agreed to cooperate and coordinate with the UAE Ministry of Economy to ensure the implementation of the best practices, protection of consumer rights, and the strengthening of the stability of the consumer market during the holy month.

Mohammed Al Kutbi, director of control and consumer protection at the ADED, emphasised the importance of a clear mechanism to meet the local market needs of basic commodities, while ensuring stable prices. He said that the move is a way of establishing a fruitful partnership with supermarket chains in Ajman in close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy.

Al Kutbi pointed out that the department continues to make tireless efforts to achieve a balance between rights of consumers and traders. He said that the fight against commercial fraud, especially for the ongoing preparations for the reception of the holy month, will ensure optimum satisfaction among consumers and their happiness.

"We take our responsibility in tightening the controls of Ajman's consumer markets in order to reduce price volatility during the holy month. We are confident of our move to adjust the price in coordination with local sales outlets will boost commercial activity and, in turn, reflect positively on the competitive price.

"We are committed to address all forms of complaints and deal with them as soon as possible, via our Call Center (80070), or through e-mail info@ajmanded.ae. We will be taking measures to ensure consumer protection, which is the cornerstone of creating economic stability," added Al Kutbi.

Don't let shops know of inspection: Residents

Speaking to Khaleej Times, residents of Ajman have called on the authorities to monitor the market closely, as the retailers usually increase the food prices during the holy month of Ramadan.

Mohammed Al Tayeb, a resident, said that the prices of vegetables and fruits during the holy month are never steady. Some outlets, which get clues about the inspection date, give fake prices to the ministry and sell their goods at different prices immediately after the inspectors leave. So they suggest inspections should happen unannounced.

Nuha Akasha, another resident, said some of the groceries and super markets in residential areas keep on hiking the prices of essential food items such as beans, humus, dates and cornflour throughout the holy month, despite the efforts being made by authorities to prevent food retailers from hiking the prices.

Majid Al Matroushi, said the price rise start from two days before the holy month, as retailers considered this month season of making profit. According to him, the concerned authorities must monitor the market every day and spread the culture of complaining against the violation among the residents.

Source: Khaleej Times