Ramadan staples to be cut by at least 38% as ministry warns repeat offenders

TDT | Manama

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At least 38 per cent off key Ramadan staples will be enforced across Bahrain’s markets, Industry and Commerce Minister, His Excellency Abdulla Fakhro, told Parliament yesterday, saying the ministry aims to keep prices stable and will take tougher legal steps against repeat offenders.

“We are keen to ensure price stability during the holy month of Ramadan,” he said, adding that the kingdom has enough stock of essential goods and that discounts are already available across markets.

Fakhro said the ministry is urging shops and suppliers to keep Ramadan goods at suitable prices and to stick to set reductions for the full month through schemes such as the “Consumer Friend” initiative.

Amendments

He said the ministry is working on its legal tools and is studying amendments to the Consumer Protection Law to keep pace with shifts in the market. “Consume  protection is a priority,” he said, pointing to programmes aimed at all age groups and closer work with the private sector.

Part of that work, he said, includes signing memoranda of understanding with major service providers so complaints can be dealt with before they reach the ministry.

Cases

The aim is to solve cases “before escalating them to the ministry”, he said.

Fakhro said awareness drives are being run with government bodies, including the Ministry of Youth, the Ministry of Education and universities, to raise awareness of consumers’ rights and duties.