A number of parliamentarians have requested the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to utilize their efforts and monitor those who unjustifiably increase the prices of commodities, in order to protect the citizens from the greed of some traders during the holy month of Ramadan.
MP Abdullah Fahad expressed his surprise at the lack of action by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to handle the manipulation of prices by some traders during the holy month of Ramadan especially those who sell food commodities.
He pointed out that there are those who see the holy month as an opportunity to exploit the consumers – citizens and residents. He told the daily, “The Ministry of Commerce is required to announce the practical steps that have been taken to reduce cheating and high prices in the month of Ramadan, noting that the exploitation still exists and there were no serious moves from the ministry to stop the excessive rise in prices.”
He explained that the high prices of food commodities in Ramadan cause a burden on the family, in light of the limited increase in salaries of citizens. Moreover, he added that the disparity in prices of commodities from one market to another confirms the existence of manipulation of prices, which requires the intervention of the concerned authorities.
He added, it is surprising the National Committee for Consumer Protection has failed in its task and wondered what procedures were taken by the Ministry of Commerce which has formed a committee to keep a check on prices during Ramadan. MP Mubarak Al-Hurais told the daily, “At the beginning of the Ramadan month there is an increase in the prices of consumer goods.
Therefore, the Ministry of Commerce is required to be vigilant to confront any trader trying to exploit this month to raise prices. He pointed out the Minister of Commerce is required to urge the Consumer Protection Department to increase the number of committees and give its members the powers to check the greed of traders and the main responsibility lies with the minister.
Source: Al-Rai
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