Ministry of Commerce oversight during Ramadan: Market stability and consumer protection
Intensive monitoring efforts at the start of Ramadan
The Saudi Ministry of Commerce announced that its inspection teams conducted over 10,192 inspection visits to commercial establishments across the Kingdom during the first week of Ramadan 1445 AH. These intensive campaigns are part of the Ministry's seasonal plan aimed at ensuring market stability and protecting consumer rights during the peak shopping period of the holy month.
General context and importance of seasonal monitoring
Historically, Ramadan witnesses a significant shift in household consumption patterns in the Kingdom, with a substantial increase in demand for food, supplies, and traditional Ramadan products. This surge in demand may tempt some unscrupulous merchants to exploit the situation by unjustifiably raising prices, offering expired goods, or resorting to commercial fraud and misleading promotional offers. This underscores the vital role of the Ministry of Commerce's oversight function as part of its responsibility to regulate the local market. These field inspections are a proactive and preventative measure aimed at deterring violators before consumers are harmed, and ensuring the smooth flow of buying and selling within a fair and organized commercial environment.
Campaign objectives and expected impact
The inspection tours focus on several key areas, most importantly verifying the availability of essential goods and their alternatives in the markets, monitoring commercial establishments' compliance with clearly displaying price tags on products, and ensuring that shelf prices match the prices at the checkout counters. The teams also work to address any practices that may affect supply and demand, and monitor promotional offers to ensure their legitimacy and prevent consumer deception. Locally, these efforts contribute to strengthening consumer confidence in the market and ensure they can obtain their needs at reasonable prices and with guaranteed quality. Regionally, these rigorous measures reflect the strength of the Kingdom's regulatory systems, making it a model to be emulated in consumer protection and market regulation in the region, which aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to create a prosperous and reliable economic environment.
Continuity of oversight and the role of the consumer
The ministry affirmed that its monitoring plans will continue throughout the holy month, with field teams covering all commercial establishments, from supermarkets and retail stores to warehouses. The ministry urged consumers to be active partners in this monitoring process by promptly reporting any commercial violations through the "Commercial Report" application or via the unified call center. This will enhance the effectiveness of monitoring and contribute to maintaining a safe consumer market for all.
