This year seems to have offered some respite to people with prices of necessities staying relatively stable according to families surveyed by Gulf News, especially with Ramadan approaching. An online spot poll showed that 17 per cent readers felt the prices of necessities have not increased drastically over the past six months, especially compared to 2008. Five per cent think they have decreased. The price list prepared by the Ministry of Economy for 2009 appears to support these results. The year has started to look better with some items becoming cheaper - residents hope the trend stays.

"A stable 2009 allows for better budgeting"

2009 has proven to be a good year for the Tabrez family in terms of food products, as the prices have stopped increasing from last year.

Saadia Tabrez, an Indian national residing in Sharjah, has been doing most of the grocery shopping for her parents and sister since the beginning of this year and has found that prices have remained the same.

She said: "Last year's price hike was a shock to all of us. But I am relieved that this year prices are at a stand still and especially now with the summer promotions, some products are even cheaper."

Saadia's monthly cost for vegetables, which mainly include potatoes, onions and tomatoes, has stayed the same as the family's average expenditure on vegetables is around Dh70 per month.

For some products the prices have decreased since the beginning of the year. What Saadia used to pay for a kilogram of rice in January is now Dh2 cheaper at Dh8.5. However, this is due to the summer promotions.

For other products Saadia has noticed that their prices have stayed the same even after the price hikes in 2008.

She said: "The price of 30 local white eggs [tray] has increased by Dh3 to Dh18 in 2008 and thankfully has stayed the same till now."

Milk, water and cooking oil prices have also stayed the same since the beginning of the year at Dh10 per two-litre bottle, Dh7 for five gallons and Dh23 per 2.25 litres respectively.

Expert talk: Global impact means lower cost

Monica Malek, an economist based in Dubai, has noticed a marked reduction in food prices globally.

She said: "Since UAE imports a lot, especially when it comes to food items, global developments will definitely have an impact on prices."

Monica is convinced that a lot of the reductions are a result of the global economic condition. "There has been a fall in prices around the globe, and most of the things are necessities," she said.