Traders told not to raise prices during Ramadhan

MUSCAT, May 5 - The Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) will be keeping a close eye on the prices during the holy month of Ramadhan, a time when demand for certain food items shoots up, according to the authority.

“We will be keeping vigil on the prices of essentials in the market, and ensure that no undue price increase is seen in the market,” a highly placed source at the Consumer Services and Market Control at the authority said.

“The holy month of Ramadhan is one of the seasons during which the markets are witnessing more demand, and consequently higher of fruits and vegetables,” he added.

“Any retail outlet found violating the rule will be subjected to punitive action including fine which will increase with each violation and other actions if it fails to withdraw the same from the market.”

Additionally, the officials of the authority will be constantly monitoring the movement of goods to Mawaleh Central Market to check prices of fruits and vegetables.

It is also working closely with malls and supermarkets to monitor the demand and supply of food and other essential commodities in the coming days. The inspectors from the authority are stationed at check-posts to record the number of trucks entering the Sultanate.

The authority has, in coordination with leading shopping centres in various governorates of the Sultanate, brought out ‘Ramadhan Basket’, another step to regulate prices of essentials during the month.

KABEER YOUSUF