Commerce: 37,000 inspection tours in preparation for Ramadan 1447 AH
As part of its proactive preparations for the holy month of Ramadan and the 1447 AH Umrah season, the Ministry of Commerce announced the implementation of an intensive inspection campaign that included more than 37,000 field visits to commercial establishments across the Kingdom. These measures are part of the Ministry's seasonal plan to ensure the protection of consumer rights and promote market stability during peak shopping periods.
Details of the inspection and supply tours
Official statistics revealed that inspection teams conducted 30,476 monitoring and preventative visits to ensure establishments' compliance with commercial regulations, in addition to 6,896 supply monitoring visits during the past two months. These visits focused on monitoring the availability of food commodities, basic supplies, and Ramadan products that see increased demand during this season, to guarantee that consumer needs are met in all cities and governorates of the Kingdom.
Geographical focus and serving the pilgrims
Given the importance of the Umrah season coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry paid special attention to areas experiencing high concentrations of pilgrims and visitors. Inspections included fuel stations and petroleum service centers located on the roads leading to Mecca and Medina, as well as shops near the designated entry points for pilgrims. The inspections also extended to gold and jewelry shops, central markets, and hypermarkets to ensure the quality of services provided to pilgrims, citizens, and residents alike.
Consumer Protection and Control Mechanism
The Ministry of Commerce employs a meticulous methodology to monitor any factors that may affect supply and demand. Field teams verify the availability of multiple suppliers to ensure fair competition and prevent monopolies. During its inspections, the Ministry emphasizes the necessity for stores to clearly display price tags, ensure that prices at the checkout match those displayed on shelves, and monitor promotional offers and discounts to verify their legitimacy and ensure they are free from any deceptive or fraudulent practices.
The consumer's role in oversight
The Ministry affirms that consumers are key partners in the oversight process, urging all consumers to report any observed commercial violations, whether related to price manipulation, commercial fraud, or service deficiencies. Reports can be easily submitted through the "Commercial Report" application or by contacting the unified reporting center (1900). All reports are handled immediately, and deterrent legal measures are taken against violators in accordance with applicable regulations.
