Friday, Aug 14, 2009
Gulf News
Ras Al Khaimah: The RAK branch of the Ministry of Economy concluded a deal on Wednesday with six key supermarkets to introduce packages of 1,000 commodities to be sold to the public at discounted prices during the holy month of Ramadan.
Dr Hashem Al Nuaimi, who heads the Customer Protection Department at the Ministry of Economy attended the negotiations and approved the deal reached with key supermarkets.
According to the deal, the RAK branch of Carefour will apply the discounts on 400 commodities, Aswaq on 150 commodities, Kerala on 150 commodities while Nesnas, Choithram, and Fawzi supermarkets on 100 commodities.
Al Nuaimi said the initiative was aimed at sparring the customers from the unscrupulous retailers who might take advantage of Ramadan.
He explained that according to the deal, these supermarkets will introduce certain packages which include 15 to 25 various commodities at prices that are 20 to 30 per cent less than normal rates. The packages will be priced from Dh 150 to Dh250.
He stressed that a package will cover the weekly consumption needs of a five-member family. Each package includes rice, wheat, sugar, milk and other commodities.
Al Nuaimi said the participating supermarkets will be spared the fees the that the Department of Economic Development will impose on stores offering promotions and discounts during Ramadan.
The deal stipulated that the supermarkets under the deal should provide enough quantities of commodities introduced to the customers.
He warned that the Ministry of Economy has set up 20 hotlines dedicated to the consumer complaints.
The Ministry of Economy will conduct daily inspections on the meat, fruits, vegetables, chicken markets to ensure traders stick to reasonable prices.
By Nasouh Nazzal, Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2009. All rights reserved.
