The UAE Cooperatives Societies will hold a meeting today at the Union Cooperatives branch in Al Aweer to discuss the decision of the seven dairy companies to increase the price of dairy products by 20 to 30 per cent from April 1. This was stated by Ibrahim Al Bahar, Assistant General Manager,  Union Cooperatives said.

Another meeting with the UAE Consumer Cooperatives Union will be held next week with the representatives of dairy companies to discuss the reason for the proposed price hike and whether the companies have formed any coalition to press their demand, Al Bahar added.

Al Bahar however praised the decision of the Ministry of Economy restricting dairy companies from raising the price of milk and juices. He pointed out that the MoE decision reflected the governments keenness to control the market in public interest where essential commodities are concerned.  He said the Union would not accept the price hike before studying the request of the suppliers.

By Amira Agarib, Khaleej Times 29th March, 2007