UAE food price-tracking platform to expand after receiving 1,450 daily visits

The UAE government has launched an online tool called the Essential Goods Prices Platform to monitor and track price fluctuations of staple foods at supermarkets. Since its inception in April, the platform has garnered over 143,000 visits, averaging more than 1,450 daily visits. The Essential Goods Prices Platform, managed by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, keeps an eye on price changes for 8,343 products at 525 shops operated by 13 major retailers.

The platform categorizes these products into nine main groups, including essentials like rice, eggs, and chicken. Assistant Undersecretary Safeya Al Safi of the Control and Commercial Governance Sector highlighted that the platform provides a sophisticated digital tool for monitoring prices, tracking market trends, and identifying patterns that may require further review.

The platform's primary objectives include empowering consumers to make informed choices and safeguarding their rights. It complements efforts such as regular inspections to ensure fair pricing. In response to a surge in demand for essentials following the Iran war, the ministry conducted over 7,000 inspections, uncovering 567 breaches, primarily for excessively high prices.

The UAE government has subsequently implemented measures to prevent unjustified price increases, particularly for nine essential goods: cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat. These items' prices are subject to ministry approval and a national committee assessing food costs. The UAE government intends to expand the platform by incorporating more retailers and products, enabling more comprehensive price comparisons and efficient responses to market disturbances.