School suppliers have been subjected to checks by economic departments in Dubai and Ajman to prevent price manipulation of products in high demand.

Dubai Economy and the Ajman Department of Economic Development said they had been visiting school and stationery retailers to ensure adequate supply and to check for price manipulation and commercial fraud.

The Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector of Dubai Economy started its visits on Wednesday, and said they would continue for a week, covering major commercial centres and outlets selling school supplies and stationery.

Ahmad Al Zaabi, Director of Consumer Protection in the CCCP sector said: “Through the field visits we aim to raise the awareness among consumers and merchants alike to avoid any exploitation, commercial fraud, or price tampering.

“So far, we have witnessed exceptional commitment from the sales outlets and stores that we visited and we noted that there is adequate stock and supply of school products and stationery.”

CCCP said unreasonable price increases can be reported to the department and would attract penalties for retailers.

Ajman Department of Economic Development said it had carried out checks across school materials retailers to check for adequate supplies, that items are accurately priced on the shelf and on accounting devices, as well as for price manipulation.

Maher Butti Al Suwaidi, Manager of Ajman’s Consumer Protection Division, said that it was part of an annual plan to control markets during seasons in which demand increases. Checks are ongoing, and students and parents are asked to report any remarks or complaints to Ajman Government Contact Center.

(Writing by Imogen Lillywhite imogen.lillywhite@refinitiv.com ; editing by Seban Scaria)

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