The Ministry of Commerce announced that it conducted 10,192 intensive inspection visits to commercial establishments and retail outlets across various regions and cities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the first week of Ramadan. These field operations are part of the Ministry's comprehensive seasonal plan to monitor the availability of essential goods and ensure that stores comply with consumer protection regulations.
Seasonal monitoring strategy and its importance
These monitoring campaigns are particularly important during the holy month of Ramadan, when markets typically witness a significant increase in demand and consumption of food and supplies. The Ministry operates according to a proactive plan aimed at ensuring market stability and preventing any monopolistic practices or exploitation of increased demand to unjustifiably raise prices. These efforts are an integral part of the vital role played by regulatory bodies in guaranteeing food security and providing consumers with suitable alternatives at fair and competitive prices.
Details of field visits and inspection points
During their tours, which exceeded ten thousand visits, the field inspection teams focused on several key areas, most notably:
- Inventory monitoring: Ensuring the availability of food supplies and Ramadan goods that are in high demand, and guaranteeing sufficient stock to meet consumer needs throughout the holy month.
- Price control: Monitoring and comparing commodity prices, ensuring that establishments adhere to displaying price tags clearly and legibly, and controlling any cases of manipulation or discrepancies between the advertised price and the cashier's price.
- Combating commercial fraud: Verifying the quality and validity of products, and addressing fake or misleading offers that may be used to attract consumers without real credibility.
Economic impact and the role of the consumer
This rigorous oversight contributes to strengthening consumer confidence in the local market and creating a fair business environment that guarantees the rights of all parties. The Ministry consistently emphasizes that the consumer is a "partner in oversight," urging everyone to report any observed commercial violations through official channels. This enhances the efficiency of regulatory efforts and serves as a deterrent to violators.
The Ministry of Commerce continues its inspection tours throughout the holy month, applying immediate regulatory penalties to violating establishments, to ensure market discipline and protect the purchasing power of citizens and residents.
