PACP to step up blitz on markets in Ramadan

Muscat: Shopping centres and stores will come under strict scrutiny during Ramadan and inspections will be intensified, according to the Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP).

Hussain Al Wahaibi, Assistant Director of Consumer Markets Control at the PACP, said that with the approaching of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the PACP, throughout its directorates across Oman, recently increased efforts to monitor the markets to maintain price stability, and ensure the availability of sufficient quantities of goods, especially basic goods needed by consumers for their Ramadan table.

He added that the authority would take the necessary measures against any violator. “PACP is also ready to receive complaints and reports from consumers in case of any violations,” he said.

Khalid Al Anqoodi, Director of the Call Centre at the PACP, said the centre received complaints and transferred them electronically to the competent authorities daily from 8am to 11pm, in addition to responding to consumer inquiries. “The rate of calls rises before and during Ramadan, because the purchasing power of consumers is at a high level. The centre takes all the precautions to provide services to consumers. The centre is working with the inspectors’ teams through an electronic link system that enables communication in a very short period of time,” he said.

Salem Al Shamsi, Director of Consumer Protection at the wilayat of Buraimi, said, “We continue to survey markets to ensure that all goods are available and to ensure that the Holy Month is not used to raise prices.

“In addition, a work plan has been put in place to cover both morning and evening. Inspectors will be deployed at the central market in Buraimi and other shops on a daily basis.”

Besides, for the Holy Month, the PACP will also be launching the “Ramadan Basket”, a comprehensive product that includes staples such as rice, flour, oil, sugar, dates, fruits and vegetables. The baskets will cost OMR9-10 and will help save customers time.