Muscat – The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) targets price manipulation as it rolls out an extensive regulatory framework for the Holy Month of Ramadan. With seasonal demand often serving as a pretext for unjustified cost increases, the Authority has pivoted its strategy to focus heavily on combating “shadow inflation”—a practice where suppliers artificially inflate prices or reduce product weights while maintaining original costs to deceive consumers.
In the North Batinah Governorate, the Directorate General of Consumer Protection has transitioned to a high-alert status, deploying specialized field teams to conduct morning and evening raids. These inspections are specifically designed to audit price lists against approved historical data, ensuring that no establishment exploits the spiritual season for excessive profit margins. The Directorate has made it clear that any attempt to manipulate the market balance through price-fixing or misleading promotional tactics will be met with immediate legal repercussions.
To reinforce these stability measures, the CPA has warned that violators face stringent penalties under the Consumer Protection Law, which can include substantial administrative fines exceeding RO2,000 and referral to Public Prosecution for serious cases of commercial fraud. The Directorate continues to monitor the flow of essential goods daily, maintaining a robust presence at major sales outlets to act as a deterrent against predatory pricing. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and use official digital and telecommunication channels to report any sudden price hikes, ensuring a transparent and fair marketing environment for all.
