Coronavirus: Dubai caps prices of essential goods and calls on consumers to report profiteering traders

41 items, including face masks and hand sanitisers, have been price protected by Dubai Economy

A woman walks by a closed shop in Dubai amid measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. AFP

Closed shops at the Utensil Souq in Deira, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Clear skies and light traffic are seen in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A man wearing a face mask walks past a closed restaurant in Ajman. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Men wear a face masks on the beach front in Ajman. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The China Court section of Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai stands almost empty. Pawan Singh / The National

Authorities in Dubai have imposed a daily price cap on face masks, hand sanitisers and essential food goods - and urged consumers to report unscrupulous traders caught overcharging.

Dubai Economy has launched a price monitor to ensure members of the public are not hit hard in the pocket during the coronavirus outbreak.

Demand for hygiene products in particular has surged in recent weeks, but officials are eager to discourage businesses from profiteering.

Shoppers will be able to refer to the price monitor as a guide to what the price of essential items should be.

Among the 41 items listed are rice, flour, pasta, white sugar, salt, face masks and sanitisers.

The cost of a N95 face mask should not exceed Dh1.96, according to the authority.

Any consumer who wishes to complain about being overcharged for items on the price monitor can make a complaint via the website price.ded.ae