US will ‘totally destroy’ N Korea
The convenient stores at the fuel stations are quite handy for motorists going on a long drive or those who need to pick up things they would have otherwise forgotten to buy at a regular store.
But there’s one problem: the prices aren’t so convenient on the pocket.
Many complain about the exorbitant rates for groceries, confectionery, soft drinks, tobacco products, over-thecounter drugs, toiletries, newspapers and magazines.
According to Ashraf Omar, a customer, prices of almost all goods at the convenience stores are high. You are paying 10-15 per cent more on most items at these shops.”
The Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP), however, says this is an “open market”. “The consumer has the right to buy what he wishes to from any shop.
“Prices cannot be controlled by PACP unless they are not justified by retailers with rational reasons,” said Omar Faisal al Jahdami, Deputy Chairman, Consumer Services and Market Monitoring, PACP.
He said these shops “don’t sell necessaries”, with the exception of water.
“They (convenience stores) are meant for people on the road and those coming at odd hours. In both cases, there is no harm in charging a premium for goods and services,” he said.
These outlets, which remain open 24X7, pay huge rents, besides salaries and utility charges, every month. “Obviously, their cost of operations is high, which will reflect in the prices.”
Al Jahdami said if a retailer wants to increase the price of any product, the shop representative should take prior permission from the PACP after citing “proper reasons”, in which case a price increase can be allowed. UNITED NATIONS: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday vowed to “totally destroy” North Korea unless Pyongyang backs down from its nuclear challenge, mocking North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a “rocket man” on a suicide mission.
It was Trump’s most direct threat to attack North Korea for belligerent acts that have included launching ballistic missiles over Japan and conducting underground nuclear tests.
His comments rattled the world leaders gathered before him in the green-marbled UN General Assembly hall, where minutes earlier UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had appealed for statesmanship.
“The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea,” Trump said.
As loud, startled murmurs filled the hall, Trump described Kim in an acid tone, saying, “Rocket man is on a suicide mission for himself and his regime.”
One man in the audience covered his face with his hands shortly after Trump made his “totally destroy” comment. Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom crossed her arms.
North Korea’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s remarks.