More than 200 complaints and reports relating to violations, including price gouging, have been received by the Industry and Commerce Ministry since the start of the Iranian attacks, a top official has confirmed.
The ministry’s Inspection Directorate director Mona Al Alawi pledged to intensify inspections across the country to ensure consumers’ rights are fully protected.
“So far, since the start of the attacks, we have received more than 200 complaints and enquiries about potential violations,” she said in a statement yesterday.
“The directorate has received them through its various electronic platforms, and we encourage consumers to inform us of any suspicions they may have. We take every single complaint seriously and we thoroughly investigate each one.”
She said all violators have been referred to the Public Prosecution for legal action and that the ministry would continue to take steps to protect the interests of the Bahraini public.
The GDN reported that a shop selling flashlights at unjustifiably inflated prices was shut down on Friday following inspections. The Inspection Directorate visited 102 retail outlets across Manama, Hidd, Diyar Al Muharraq, East Riffa and Isa Town to verify prices, ensure the availability of goods, monitor violations or unjustified price increases, and assess compliance with the law.
Ms Al Alawi, meanwhile, praised establishments and warehouses in the kingdom for their co-operation during these extraordinary times.
“There is a very high compliance rate from shops, establishments and warehouses across the kingdom,” she said.
“Violations have been limited and minor, reflecting a strong level of awareness and co‑operation within Bahrain’s markets.
“The efforts made by these establishments to ensure adherence to the kingdom’s rules and regulations are appreciated by the ministry.
“Recently, the directorate has intensified its efforts to ensure market stability and to keep pace with any potential logistical or supply chain challenges.”
Ms Al Alawi stated that establishments that follow the rules are an essential part of the lives of the Bahraini people, and that they play a major role during difficult times. She praised their ability to adapt quickly to sudden changes and effectively keep up operations despite the circumstances they face.
She reaffirmed that the directorate and the ministry are continuously seeking solutions, maintaining communication, and collaborating with partners across the region to ensure that shelves remain stocked for consumers in the kingdom.
“We can confirm that there is ample supply of food products in Bahrain,” said Ms Al Alawi.
“There is also a good variety of food choices for consumers. Some products experienced a slight price increase at first, but most – if not all – have returned to normal levels, which is typical in emergency situations.”
Ms Al Alawi warned establishments against trying to take advantage of the ongoing situation, stating that the ministry will not hesitate to take legal action against violators.
People can report violations to the ministry by contacting its Consumer Protection Directorate by calling 17007003, or by emailing consumer_protection@moic.gov.bh. They can also contact the Inspection Directorate directly by dialing or sending a WhatsApp message to 17111252 or through their email at inspection@moic.gov.bh.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))