Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE Ministry of Economy has launched a national digital platform to monitor the prices of nine basic consumer commodities in real time. The “National Digital Platform for Monitoring the Movement of Basic Commodity Prices” allows authorities to track price changes instantly and ensure they comply with approved ceilings. The nine items include cooking oil, eggs, dairy, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread and wheat. Retailers must obtain prior approval before increasing prices of these essential goods. The system covers cooperatives, hypermarkets and large stores representing more than 90 per cent of domestic trade in basic commodities across the seven emirates. The platform is equipped with data analysis tools that alert authorities if outlets exceed price ceilings or fail to comply with policy guidelines. It also includes a map feature to identify store locations quickly. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said the initiative strengthens regulatory oversight and enhances transparency in protecting consumers. Last week, Al Marri visited Union Coop, Lulu and five other major outlets to ensure the nine items were clearly priced and compliant with the new policy. ICA/Expat Media
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