Shoppers across the UAE are feeling the impact of rising prices at the checkout counter, especially for fruits and vegetables. Over the past few days, many residents say their grocery bills have jumped noticeably, putting extra strain on household budgets.
“I was shocked when I saw the new prices,” said one Dubai resident. “Vegetables and fruits that we buy every week are now up by 20 to 30 per cent. It’s a big difference, and you notice it right away.” Common items like onions, tomatoes, apples, and bananas have become more expensive almost overnight, according to shoppers.
Households Forced to Adjust
For many UAE families, these items are daily essentials. “We use potatoes, onions, and tomatoes in almost every meal,” shared a Sharjah resident. “But now, onions that cost Dh1.50 per kilo last week are almost Dh5. Tomatoes have also shot up in price.”
Some shoppers are seeing prices nearly double for certain products. An Indian expat noted that tomatoes went from Dh3 to Dh5.5, and coconuts jumped from Dh2.5 to Dh5 in just a few days. Despite these price hikes, cutting back isn’t always an option. “These are basics for our cooking. We just have to adjust our spending elsewhere,” she added.
Experts Point to Supply Chain Issues
Industry experts say the sudden increases are likely due to supply chain disruptions, higher shipping costs, and global events. Ahmad Assiri, a research strategist at Pepperstone, explained that any issues with shipping or rising energy prices can quickly push up the cost of imported produce. Joachim Yebouet of Business Optima also pointed to geopolitical tensions and transport bottlenecks as factors driving up prices.
Authorities Monitor the Situation
Retailers insist the overall market remains stable, with only minor price fluctuations driven by demand. Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism is closely monitoring prices through its nationwide digital tracking system, encouraging consumers to report any suspected violations to ensure pricing remains fair.
