The Ministry of Commerce conducts 37,000 inspection visits 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 intensified its field efforts across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Inspection teams conducted extensive campaigns covering tens of thousands of commercial establishments. These actions are part of the Ministry's annual strategy to ensure market stability and protect consumer rights during peak seasons, which witness a significant increase in demand for food and consumer goods.
Official statistics released by the Ministry revealed that 30,476 inspection visits to ensure establishments' compliance with regulations, in addition to 6,896 detailed supply monitoring visits during the past two months. These intensive inspections primarily aim to monitor the availability of essential and necessary goods and supplies, particularly Ramadan products that see increased demand during this period, to guarantee that they meet the needs of citizens, residents, and visitors at fair and competitive prices.
Comprehensive oversight and diverse access points
The inspection tours were not limited to a specific type of store, but were comprehensive, covering all stages of the supply and retail chain. Visits included various retail outlets, hypermarkets, supermarkets, and warehouses to ensure the smooth flow of supply chains. The inspections also extended to gold and jewelry shops to verify the accuracy of scales and calibration, as well as petrol stations and service centers, especially those located on highways and near the designated entry points for pilgrims to the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to providing the best possible services to the guests of God.
Economic dimensions and consumer protection
These inspection tours hold significant economic importance that goes beyond mere routine checks; they serve as an effective tool for regulating the market and preventing any monopolistic practices or exploitation of increased seasonal demand. Through these visits, the Ministry of Commerce closely monitors any factors affecting supply and demand, acts immediately to meet any required increase in the supply of goods, and ensures a diverse range of suppliers to promote competition.
The ministry emphasizes taking all strict regulatory measures against any violations of consumer protection regulations, stressing that food and supply security is a red line, and that market stability is a fundamental pillar in the ministry’s strategy to serve the national economy and society, especially in light of expectations of increased purchasing activity with the approach of the holy month.
