The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) carried out surprise inspection campaigns on a number of shops selling foodstuff and commercial centers across the country.
The campaign targeted 329 commercial outlets and resulted in the seizure and issuing of 28 violations, ranging from non-compliance with compulsory pricing, failure to advertise prices of services, absence of explanatory data to weight discrepancy, non-mention of data in Arabic, and expired goods.
The ministry said that the inspection campaigns are within its initiatives on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. It has intensified its inspection campaigns before and during the holy month as part of its keenness to regulate and monitor markets and commercial activities in the country.
The inspections are also carried out to monitor compliance with the laws and regulations governing the practice of commercial activities in order to control and detect violations and protect consumer rights. This is in addition to monitoring the extent to which suppliers (foodstuff shops, groceries and service centers) comply with their obligations under the Consumer Protection Law and abide by the daily bulletin prices issued by the ministry.
It is noteworthy that the punishment for Consumer Protection Law's violation ranges from administrative closure to financial fines from QR3,000 to QR1mn. The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has urged all citizens and residents to report any irregularities or violations.
