Dubai - DED reminded businesses to refrain from taking undue advantage of the present situation.
Published: Sun 5 Apr 2020, 4:58 PM
Updated: Mon 6 Apr 2020, 8:11 AM
Dubai has fined 14 establishments for hiking the price of face masks, an essential item as the UAE fights the Covid-19 coronavirus.
Dubai Economy on Sunday issued a statement saying that it had imposed fines on 14 merchants, including nine pharmacies in Nad Al Hamar, Al Mizhar, Nad Hessa, Sheikh Zayed Road, Hor Al Anz, Al Twar, Al Qusais, Umm Suqaim and Al Warqa, for inflating the prices of face masks to exploit the rise in demand for hygiene essentials following the nationwide alert against Covid-19.
Five other merchants were fined for tampering with prices, including two supermarkets and suppliers.
The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy issued fines to the merchants following consumer complaints and due investigations, including tracking the supply chain to verify the price.
A repeat offense would attract double the fines and may lead to closing down the outlet.
Dubai Economy reminded businesses to refrain from taking undue advantage of the present situation and also called on pharmacies and medical equipment suppliers to demonstrate their social responsibility by reducing the prices of essentials, such as face masks, sanitisers, and disinfectants.
Consumers can raise their complaints and queries relating to price increases of their basic needs, including hygiene essentials, on the www.Price.ded.ae portal or by calling 600 54 55 55.
waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com
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