The Ministry of Economy expects the prices of 10,000 items on shelves in 600 outlets in UAE to be slashed by 25 to 60 per cent and even more during Ramadan.

Dr Hashim Al Nuaimi, Manager of the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry, called on Union Co-ops and other outlets to swiftly announce the discounts for the upcoming holy month, as per Al Bayan.

Al Nuaimi added that the ministry has set up several meetings with outlets in order to set a comprehensive Ramadan plan.

Primary consumer goods will be made available beginning from next week, at the start of May.

Al Nuaimi added that two 'baskets' of goods have been suggested for the Ramadan season - one that comprises primary goods and the other which most people like to buy in Ramadan. The primary goods basket has 20 items that do not cost more than Dh100. The other basket comprises 20 items that cost less than Dh200.

"Baskets will be available in bundles - with items clearly demarcated on the label and the amount of savings consumers make on buying these items together rather than separately," said Al Nuaimi to Al Ittihad.

"Shoppers can save between 25 to 30 per cent of the original cost of items this way."

"Other baskets will be open so the buyers can choose 15 to 20 items out of a range of 300-400 available to compile," he added.

Al Nuaimi stressed that price checker machines will be monitored and 3,500 devices will be in place for the Ramadan rush.

"We demanded that 4,000 screens be placed throughout the outlets helping to raise customer's awareness about proper conduct and consumer behaviour."

He also called for outlets to utilise social media to inform consumers about the discounts.

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