The UAE has confirmed six months of strategic reserves of essential commodities as authorities intensified market inspections nationwide/Representative Image

The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has stepped up inspections in markets to ensure stable prices and availability of essential commodities, assuring residents that the country has strategic reserves of key commodities that can meet demand for up to six months.The ministry said inspection teams are conducting daily checks at shops and retail outlets across the country. These inspections are being conducted in coordination with economic development departments in all emirates through a joint national monitoring team. The objective of this effort is to prevent unreasonable price increases, prevent unfair commercial practices and maintain close surveillance on market activity.Officials said retailers must follow consumer protection rules, especially those governing pricing of essential goods. Under the current policy, traders cannot raise prices of certain basic commodities without prior permission from the ministry and the national committee responsible for monitoring price changes.This rule applies to nine essential goods: cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread and wheat.The ministry also discussed the recent increase in prices of onion and tomato in the last two days. Officials said the increase is temporary and linked to the impact of the regional crisis. Additional supplies of these vegetables have already been delivered to the markets in large quantities to stabilize availability.Officials stressed that essential goods should be available in sufficient quantities and consumers should have access to a variety of options. Officials said prices are expected to return to normal levels soon due to increased supply.The ministry said the UAE maintains a strategic stockpile of essential commodities capable of meeting market demand for six months. These reserves are distributed to different regions of the country through a system designed to strengthen supply chains and allow authorities to respond quickly to market needs during emergencies.Officials also confirmed that shipping and supply operations through the country’s entry points are continuing normally. Supply chains remain efficient and goods are reaching local markets without any interruption.The UAE also relies on an extensive network of international partner markets that supply imports of a variety of goods. This allows authorities to quickly secure alternative sources if a disruption occurs.Since the beginning of the regional crisis, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and local economic development departments have conducted about 7,105 inspection visits to markets across the country. These inspections resulted in 567 violations, the majority of which were related to unfair price increases.Authorities issued 449 warnings to traders, suppliers and retail outlets and imposed financial penalties totaling AED207,250.The ministry said that surveillance operations will continue in the future to ensure market stability and protect consumers.Residents are encouraged to report price gouging or violations through official channels. Complaints can be submitted through the website of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism www.moet.gov.aeBy calling 8001222 or sending a WhatsApp message, or emailing info@moet.gov.ae.Officials also urged consumers to buy goods as per their needs and avoid hoarding or excessive purchasing so that products remain available to all.