UAE food prices rise to draw attention

With the increase in gasoline prices at the beginning of this month, food prices across the UAE have already seen a large increase.

In Fujairah and Ras Khaimah seafood markets, fish prices have risen to record highs, with 45-kilogram sheriffs having risen from the usual dlrs 400 to dlrs 1200. According to fishermen, this is mainly because the soaring temperature has caused the fish to dive into the deep sea and make it difficult to catch. At the same time, fish prices are expected to remain at historical highs until next month. In addition, the price of fruits and vegetables has risen by 30% to 40%, and the price of a box of tomatoes has risen from 10 dirhams to 20 dirhams. Market wholesalers believe that this is caused by the decline in market supply and the increase in fuel prices. Another retailer said that the increase in gasoline prices directly pushed up the prices of vegetables and fruits.

However, Dr. HashimAl Nuaimi, director of the consumer protection department of the UAE Ministry of Economic Affairs, denied the claims of rising food prices, and emphasized that the prices of food and consumer goods are stable and have not been affected by the increase in gasoline prices. He also said that the Ministry of Economy has announced the implementation of a unified price system during Ramadan, and at the same time called on consumers to make full use of the consumer supervision mechanism previously introduced by the Ministry of Economy to report price hikes in the market to the Ministry of Economy at any time. Nuaimi also revealed that the Ministry of Economy is closely monitoring market changes and will coordinate with the federal government and various municipal authorities to jointly curb price increases that may be caused by rising gasoline prices.

Release date: August 20, 2015 | Source: Xinnong Network | Responsible Editor: Zhai Tianchang