Shops across UAE to slash food prices for Ramadan

DUBAI // The price of basic food items at supermarkets will fall by up to 50 per cent this Ramadan, the Ministry of Economy says.

Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, director of the ministry’s consumer protection department, said prices would drop by between 20 and 50 per cent, and that no price increase requests would be considered until after the holy month.

Dr Al Nuaimi said supermarkets across the country would be better prepared for the Ramadan rush this year. The ministry has asked companies to stock up on vegetables, fruit and other staples for bulk buying.

It has asked all supermarkets in Abu Dhabi to submit their marketing plan and price cuts for Ramadan, which is expected to begin on June 6.

Dr Al Nuaimi said he expected prices to drop, on average, by 25 per cent this Ramadan.

Supermarkets have backed the price cuts. LuLu Hypermarkets said it would continue to provide discount Ramadan kits as it has for three years.

“We reduce the price of commodities, especially food that is consumed in large quantities,” said LuLu spokesman V Nandakumar. “These include rice, sugar, milk powder and oil.”

A large kit costs Dh160 while a smaller one is sold for Dh100.

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