Qatar retail major charged over Ramadan price hikes

A big name retailer in Qatar is facing legal action by the government for ignoring a ministerial decision to freeze the prices of 104 consumer items during Ramadan.

The retailer, which has not been named, is understood to be the first in the Gulf state to be officially charged over price manipulation, it was reported on Monday.

It has been charged for violating the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Business and Trade related to the prices of commonly used items, mostly basic foodstuff, during the holy month, The Peninsula reported.
Inspectors from the Consumer Protection Department of the Ministry discovered the alleged violations and referred the case to the Public Prosecution and the case will now be heard in court, the report added.

The Ministry froze the prices of the 104 basic consumer items to protect consumers who had been complaining of unfair and unprecedented price hikes by retailers.

The court case is thought to be the first time any retail outlet has been charged for price manipulation in Qatar.

UAE clampdown to prevent Ramadan price hikes

Inspectors will increase the number of visits to UAE food retailers during Ramadan to ensure prices are kept low in the holy month.

The Ministry of Economy (MoE) has warned suppliers they will face legal action if prices of basic food items are hiked.

"The MoE has instructed price supervision committees formed by the ministry office in each emirate and other local authorities to conduct field visits around the clock,? said Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shihhi, director general of the MoE.

?We are keen to place controllers in fruit and vegetable's markets to prevent monopoly and any price manipulation and to ensure the implementation of the relevant Federal laws."

Officials have also agreed with suppliers of rice, meat, chicken, wheat, oil, juices and dairy products to stabilise prices during Ramadan.

The move is part of a wider awareness campaign to educate people against price manipulation and hoarding food during the holy month.

?We have agreed with all concerned parties to join hands to avoid any manipulation of prices, and we have already established censorship team works in cooperation with the ministry?s offices in each emirate to closely monitor the sale of meat, vegetables, fish and chicken at all major retail outlets,? Al Shihhi said.

?We will also coordinate awareness campaigns before and during Ramadan to inform consumers on the availability of commodities. This is to avoid the tendency to make rush purchases before and after the holy month.

?There will be special lectures for the team to guide consumers on the best ways to monitor the market. The ministry will distribute leaflets and brochures in coordination with the local departments that will guide consumers on the right behavior and avoid any manipulation attempts?.