AJMAN — Six retailers of vegetables, fruits and meat were fined by Ajman Municipality for hiking the prices during the holy month of Ramadan, following a joint inspection carried out by officials of the municipality and the Ministry of Economy.
The names of violators and the amount of fines, however, were not released by both the departments.
The retailers at the Al Humaidiya Central Vegetable and Fruits Markets were caught selling 3kg box of tomatoes for Dh28, much higher than the normal price of Dh15.
Mohammed Al Marzouqi, head of the Trade Licences Section in Ajman Municipality, told Khaleej Times that the municipality had ordered the retailers at vegetables and fruits markets to display the price list of items issued by Ministry of Economy at a location that is visible to all consumers.
He added that the retailers were also found selling cucumber and potatoes at incredibly high prices.
The municipality in coordination with the Ministry of Economy has issued a warning to all retailers, traders and bakers not to exploit the festive occasion of Eid by increasing the prices of confectionery, dry fruits and all other items used during Eid Al Fitr.
Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, head of the Consumer Protection Department in the Ministry of Economy, said the ministry in coordination with the municipalities in the country, had publicised warnings in English and Arabic at all commercial outlets and even published ads in the newspapers.