Leading supermarkets in the UAE keep necessities pricing consistent despite rising shipping costs and regional difficulties in the supply chain. Since late last year, Houthi rebels have continued to assault cargo ships and tankers traveling through the Red Sea, the world’s busiest trade corridor, in retribution for Israel’s war on Gaza. This has significantly damaged the supply chain.
However, stores in the UAE have ensured that the costs of basic necessities remain constant during the holy month of Ramadan. Some admitted that sustaining pricing may only be doable in the near run.
“We have instructed all of our suppliers not to increase prices and are working to keep prices stable,” said Shabu Abdul Majeed, director of retail operations at Lulu Group. “We have introduced high-quality private label products that provide our customers total value for money. Throughout Ramadan, we have decided to keep the pricing of essential products stable while offering a 60-70 percent discount on food and other grocery items.