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Dubai: The price of chicken has increased by 36 per cent in the last seven months, according to Gulf News' regular price check and with Ramadan just days away, residents are feeling the pinch.
Click here to see the price difference of selected commodities in the last six months (pdf)
"It certainly is not fair that this is happening, especially during Ramadan... these are essential commodities," said Palestinian UAE-resident Nidal Aslan. "These price-hikes are not just rumours, everyone notices."
According to 34-year-old Briton, Qasim Eslam, consumers should be protected against such dramatic hikes. "I am lucky in that I have the means to provide for my family, but it is very unfair for those most vulnerable, who have to budget closely. This needs to be considered," he told Gulf News.
According to the regular price check of family basics at Union Cooperative Society and Carrefour, the price of a chicken weighing approximately 1.3kg has increased by more than 47 per cent at the Union Cooperative Society and by some 25 per cent at the hypermarket in the last seven months.
The price of Australian lamb has also registered a rise of 33 per cent at the Union Cooperative, but it has only increased by 3 per cent at the hypermarket.
The majority of the products in the list, affected by inflation, have registered a certain increase in prices.
The price of 2kg sugar has increased by some 20 per cent at the cooperative and some 48 per cent at the hypermarket.
More than 40 per cent increase of sugar prices at Carrefour were registered in the previous price check in February making a total increase of 88 per cent in less than one year.
The prices of most fruits and vegetables are in many cases lesser at the cooperative than the hypermarket, changing a long trend where one could find cheaper vegetables at the hypermarket.
With inputs from Zoi Constantine, Staff Reporter
Your comments
It is easy for us to say that they are increasing the cost of commodities. The authorities take action against them. But what about the cost of rent that spirals out of control? Will it make any sense that shop keepers have to pay that without increasing the prices of items?
KA
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2007, 14:35
This is a result of the UAE currency being pegged to the dollar, which has lost value. The authorities should wake up to this and unpeg the currency.
Naeem
London,UK
Posted: September 08, 2007, 12:51
I have noticed that hikes here are very steep. If one commodity is priced at Dh2, the next increase would jump to Dh5.
Ahlan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2007, 12:20
It is a free and open market all the way, so stop complaining!
Mohamed
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2007, 11:55
Despite various comments from authorities, retailers are increasing the price of each commodity. It seems they have no check and balance system. As salaries are not increasing, people from the middle income group suffer.
Taha
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2007, 10:47
There was a time when I only spent Dh300 to purchase household necessities. Now, Dh1,500 is not enough.
Mary
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2007, 10:45
As long as importers, distributors as well as sellers do not have any strict pricing guidelines and controls, the same situation will persist.
Ahmar
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2007, 10:21
Everything is on rise here. A 10 litre bottle of water has gone up from Dh5 to 7. Is there any action plan to protect consumer rights in this country?
Hussain
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2007, 07:30
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