Hypermarkets raise prices of essential items by 10%
By Samir Salama, Bureau Chief and Daniel Bardsley, Staff Reporter
Abu Dhabi/Dubai: The prices of essential commodities such as tea, sugar, canned foods and milk powder have gone up by at least 10 per cent, a senior official said on Sunday.
Ahmad Hareb, director of Cooperative Societies at the Social Affairs Ministry, told Gulf News the decision by many hypermarkets takes advantage of consumers who may not notice the increase.
Many hypermarkets and shopping malls have increased prices through a unilateral decision.
Cooperative societies, however, have got a recommendation approved by the Ministry of Economy to increase prices of some products by up to 5 per cent, sources said.
A Consumer Cooperative Union source would not identify the products, but said a request to raise prices of basic commodities was refused.
The Cabinet in January warned steps will be taken to stop monopolistic practices by suppliers and producers of essential items.
Hareb said the decision to break the monopoly of agents with exclusive rights to import basic foods could not be enforced as it conflicted with the agents law.
AT A GLANCE
What will cost more
Prices for April are from Union Co-Operative, Rashidiya, and of the cheapest brand available
COST
Nov. 05 Apr. '06
Tea (1kg) Dh10.6 Dh15.7
Coffee (200g) Dh20.5 Dh22
Milk (2 litres) Dh9 Dh9.5
Cheese (18 pieces) Dh9.95 Dh10.5
Rice (5kg) Dh5.75 Dh10
Lamb (per kg) Dh17.5 Dh19.5
Prices above are indicative, and are drawn from a representative basket
Last edited by dunerider; 17th Apr 2006 at 12:51.