The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has decided to deal with seriously any undue price hike or hoarding of essentials ahead of the holy month of Ramadhan. For this, strict market monitoring is in place.
"Wide monitoring and awareness-raising efforts are in place to protect consumers' interests in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman ahead of the holy month of Ramadhan," a spokesperson at the CPA told the Observer.
An official body set up to watch the market and safeguard the consumers from inappropriate market practices has been to keep an eye on price stability and ensure a constant supply of goods.
"The CPA has conducted inspection tours to the commercial centres in the capital since last week to ensure the stability of prices and the availability of goods. The Authority and all its departments have developed an action plan to intensify control over the markets, explaining the mechanisms for implementing and applying laws and regulations related to the protection of consumer rights to ensure that there is no undue price hike," a statement from Salim al Hakmani, Chairman of the Consumer Protection Authority said.
The teams comprising judicial control officers and shop inspectors are inspecting regular shops, fruit and vegetable markets and sheep pens, meat shops, car agencies, textile stores, shops that sell traditional Omani dresses, sewing shops, perfumes, incense, nuts, sweets and others.
Besides ensuring the credibility of Ramadhan promotions and the conformity of the offers with the applicable legal procedures, these teams will be in action during the mornings and evenings throughout the holy month.
"Also, we are making sure that the prices of goods on the shelf and check-out counters are the same to avoid any price discrepancy. Additionally, our teams are visiting suppliers' commercial centres to ensure that the consumer rights are protected," he further said.
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