These shops also failed to stick to the set safety and security standards necessary for maintaining public health.

The Fujairah Municipality has shut down several shops in the emirate after discovering the owners had arbitrarily raised the price of commodities.

Eng. Mohamed Al Afkham, Director of the Fujairah Municipality, said the erring outlets were listed during an intensive inspection campaign designed to ensure that the rules were being followed and there was no exploitation.

He said it was very unfortunate that the erring shops deliberately ignored the Municipality's frequent circulars specifically instructing all shop keepers and outlets to strictly adhere to the same prices and not hike the prices."

He added that these shops also failed to stick to the set safety and security standards necessary for maintaining public health.

"The penalty, in view of the Consumer Protection Law for the year 2006, spans instant fines from Dh50,000 to Dh100,000, according to the extent and type of the violation followed by closure in case of repeating the same offence, " he said.

Al Afkham further urged all consumers to report any increase in price change they encounter to the Call Center on toll free number (80036).

"You may also report the same via the municipality app 'smartFUJAIRAH',"he said, "And action will be instant."