Officials from the Ministry of Economy and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADED) discussed the mechanism for controlling the prices of fruits and vegetables during the holy month of Ramadan. Both sides will coordinate to ensure adequate supply of vegetables and fruits during the holy month.Importers and other stakeholders in the supply chain have been instructed not to hike prices of these essential food items.
The demand for these items usually rise during the month of Ramadan as households cook more food than they need and distribute it among the needy for Iftar as an act of charity. The rise in demand will lead to a hike in prices, and hence the importance of government intervention.
Director of Consumer Protection at the Ministry, Dr Hashem Al Nuaimi, and Head of the Trade protection directorate at ADED Mohammed Rashid Al Rumaithi warned suppliers to not to raise prices during Ramadan.
The ministry will not allow any trader to monopolise the supply of vegetables and fruits by any means and will take legal action against any such practice as per the Law No 7/Year 2011, said Al Nuaimi.
