Ministry of Economy warns against increasing stationery prices

The Ministry of Economy has imposed penalties ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 100,000 against stores that manipulate the prices of school supplies. The Ministry of Economy stressed yesterday that the prices of stationery shall not increase this year.

Dr. Hashim Al Nuaimi, director of the Consumer Protection Department at the ministry, stated during a meeting with officials and representatives of 650 shopping outlets in different parts of the country that the ministry warns against increasing the prices of school supplies, especially school bags, in addition to providing a number of promotional offers.

Al Nuaimi also said that outlet owners committed to providing reasonably priced school supplies at lower  prices than last year.

Dr. Hashim Al Nuaimi noted that the ministry has set up a committee to follow up the prices of school supplies at various outlets. He stressed that the ministry will impose a penalty on the violators in case manipulation of prices is proven to be between 5 and 100 thousand dirhams.

Dr. Hashim Al Nuaimi called on parents to contact the Consumer Rights Call Center on 600522225 to report price increases. He also stressed the ministry’s keenness to educate consumers in the UAE about their rights and the best ways to shop.

He pointed out that the ministry adopted a series of procedures to follow up and monitor the markets, such as activating the Consumer Monitoring initiative to report abuses. He also stressed that all markets and products are subject to intensive monitoring by the Ministry.