The Ministry of Economy has approved a six-month strategic stockpiling process for essential goods.

ABU DHABI, March 10, 2026 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has intensified its monitoring efforts to ensure price stability across sales points nationwide and to meet consumer needs by ensuring an adequate supply of goods and products. This initiative is particularly aimed at addressing the increased demand for essential consumer goods. The Ministry announced that monitoring and field inspections are conducted daily by specialized inspection teams. This is carried out under a joint national monitoring team that consolidates efforts to prevent unfair price increases and unhealthy commercial practices, in close coordination and collaboration with economic development departments across the country. The Ministry emphasized the high level of coordination among relevant authorities in all emirates and the ongoing efforts to ensure compliance of sales points and traders with consumer protection legislation and policies, particularly regarding the pricing policy of essential consumer goods. This policy encompasses nine main products that cannot be increased without prior approval from the Ministry and the national committee established for this purpose: cooking oil, eggs, dairy products, rice, sugar, chicken, legumes, bread, and wheat. Regarding the recent price increases observed in certain food items such as onions and tomatoes over the past two days, the Ministry stated that these increases are temporary and limited, naturally stemming from the effects of the regional crisis. It confirmed that additional quantities of products experiencing price increases have already been adequately supplied and that markets are providing a stable supply. The Ministry also highlighted that the quantity of essential goods available in the markets is sufficient and that consumers are offered multiple alternatives. It stated that there is no cause for concern regarding the availability or prices of goods, and with the continued increase in supply, prices are expected to return to normal levels quickly. In this context, the Ministry expressed that the UAE maintains a strategic stock capable of meeting market needs for essential goods for up to six months, thereby ensuring the availability and price stability of essential products even in unforeseen emergencies. It also added that the distribution of this strategic stock across the country's various regions is carried out through a well-planned system that enhances the efficiency of supply chains and provides a rapid response to market needs. The Ministry noted that transportation and supply movements continue in a normal and regular manner through various entry points, and that supply chains are operating efficiently. This contributes to the uninterrupted availability of goods in local markets. Furthermore, the Ministry announced that the UAE has a broad partner market network that facilitates the import of various goods needed today, possessing the ability to effectively and quickly find alternative markets in times of crisis and emergencies. Since the onset of the regional crisis, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism has conducted approximately 7,105 inspection tours in cooperation with local economic development departments nationwide. As a result of these inspections, 567 violations have been identified, the majority of which are unfair price increases. Consequently, a total of 449 warnings have been issued to traders, suppliers, and sales points, along with financial penalties amounting to a total of 207,250 AED. The Ministry emphasized that it will further intensify monitoring campaigns in collaboration with Economic Development Departments and relevant authorities in the upcoming period, continuing its efforts to ensure market stability and provide a safe and stable consumer environment for consumers in the UAE. The Ministry stated that consumers are recognized as active partners in monitoring the prices of goods and products by engaging with regulatory authorities to report price increases and violations, as well as communicating through official channels with the Ministry. For this purpose, consumers can utilize the e-services available on the Economy and Tourism Ministry's website at www.moet.gov.ae, or contact by calling 8001222, via WhatsApp, or by writing to info@moet.gov.ae. The Ministry also urged consumers across the UAE to monitor healthy consumer practices, purchase only as much as they need, and avoid stockpiling or excessive shopping, thereby ensuring price stability and the availability of goods for everyone.

(Source: WAM.ae)