Ample supplies and competitive pricing policies have come under the scrutiny of inspection patrols monitoring goods ahead of Eid Al Fitr across the kingdom’s markets and outlets to ensure importers and retailers play fair with customers.
Industry and Commerce Ministry control and resources assistant under-secretary Abdulaziz Al Ashraaf said the campaigns are being carried out in co-operation with the private sector as it negotiates the current regional challenges.
“They come as part of efforts to maintain price stability and to verify the compliance of businesses with laws and regulations, and also to enhance customer confidence in transactions,” said Mr Al Ashraaf.
“The ministry has implemented pre-Eid inspection plans covering key seasonal activities, including fruit and vegetable shops, beauty salons, tailoring outlets, sweet shops and bakeries, restaurants, catering kitchens, as well as malls and commercial centres.
“The campaigns focus on monitoring market conditions and identifying any indicators that may affect the smooth flow of goods.
“They also involve overseeing sales practices, discounts and promotional offers, ensuring price transparency, and preventing exploitation of increased demand through misleading promotions or unjustified price hikes.”
Mr Al Ashraaf stressed that the ministry will take the necessary legal action against any violators detected.
He emphasised that these measures support a fair and balanced commercial environment, protect consumer rights, reinforce market discipline and ensure the availability of goods and stable prices.
The ministry earlier confirmed that there is an abundance of livestock, meat and poultry supplies across Bahrain’s markets, ensuring consumer needs are met ahead of Eid Al Fitr.
Prices of meat and poultry remain stable and competitive, supported by an abundant supply and ongoing regulatory monitoring.
The ministry affirmed that it will continue to track markets daily via electronic systems and field inspections at slaughterhouses and retail points.
Eid Al Fitr this year is expected to coincide with the spring equinox in a rare astronomical alignment, where the moon of Shawwal (crescent) is expected be visible today, meaning the first day will be tomorrow.
The GDN reported on Tuesday that His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, had directed that all government sector employees and retirees be paid their salaries yesterday ahead of the Eid Al Fitr holiday.
He also directed relevant authorities to issue next month’s salaries on April 22, in a move that aims to reduce the timeframe between the two months.
HRH Prince Salman issued the directives as he chaired the weekly Cabinet meeting.
The Cabinet reviewed plans and measures being initiated to address the impact of the hostile Iranian aggression towards the kingdom, as well as the availability of essential goods and the smooth flow of supply chains across the market.
The Industry and Commerce Ministry was directed to continue its co-operation with the private sector to ensure the ongoing monitoring of markets, enhance oversight and maintain co-ordination to safeguard price stability.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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