Abu Dhabi shops warned not to raise food prices

Suppliers of fruit and vegetables have been warned not to increase prices during Ramadan, the state news agency Wam has reported. Demand usually rises during the Holy month, as households cook more food than they need to distribute to people who are less well off. Officials from the Ministry of Economy and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADED) will coordinate with each other to ensure that there is an adequate supply of fruit and vegetables available throughout the period. 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 as a result of the increased demand. The Ministry will take legal action against any trader who monopolises the supply under Law No.7/Year 2011, Dr Al Nuaimi was reported as saying by Wam. Ramadan is expected to start on July 20, with the first full day being Saturday, July 21. From TheNational