ID :
194236
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 13:35
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/194236
The shortlink copeid
Shall not tolerate any unauthorized increase in commodity prices -- Minister Buresli
KUWAIT, July 11 (KUNA) -- The Ministry of Commerce and Industry would not turn blind eye to any unwarranted and unauthorized increase in prices of basic commodities and the ministry's inspection and supervision staff are doing their best to protect consumers, stated Minister Amani Buresli to KUNA, Monday.
The inspectors of the ministry are visiting establishments across the country towards this end, and would greatly appreciate the cooperation of the consumers themselves who should report any cheating or illegal commercial practice, particularly to do with pricing. The supervision centers are ready to receive and process all complaints both daytime and in the evening, she said.
Buresli said she had instructed all the inspection and supervision dep artment staff to uphold the law in full, without bias, and without exceptions, which would guarantee the rights of both merchants and consumers.
The ministry conducts a regular survey of commodity prices and there is a weekly update of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) index of prices of basic foodstuff and produce. The ministry also has the right to impose a sentence of up to a year in prison and a fine of up to KD 3,000. The ministry also has right to close the establishment found in violation for a specific period or permanently, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
The minister stressed all commercial violators would face harsh punishment. The inspectors had in the past few days only referred 186 violations to the public prosecution, mostly related to illegal increase of prices and cheating customers.
"Despite the efforts of the ministry, the prices of basic goods do increase on a global scale due to the increase in cost, coupled with increase in demand, as well as due to factors including custom duties and geo-environmental conditions. This most particularly affects non-subsidized goods," the minister remarked.
The inspectors of the ministry are visiting establishments across the country towards this end, and would greatly appreciate the cooperation of the consumers themselves who should report any cheating or illegal commercial practice, particularly to do with pricing. The supervision centers are ready to receive and process all complaints both daytime and in the evening, she said.
Buresli said she had instructed all the inspection and supervision dep artment staff to uphold the law in full, without bias, and without exceptions, which would guarantee the rights of both merchants and consumers.
The ministry conducts a regular survey of commodity prices and there is a weekly update of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) index of prices of basic foodstuff and produce. The ministry also has the right to impose a sentence of up to a year in prison and a fine of up to KD 3,000. The ministry also has right to close the establishment found in violation for a specific period or permanently, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
The minister stressed all commercial violators would face harsh punishment. The inspectors had in the past few days only referred 186 violations to the public prosecution, mostly related to illegal increase of prices and cheating customers.
"Despite the efforts of the ministry, the prices of basic goods do increase on a global scale due to the increase in cost, coupled with increase in demand, as well as due to factors including custom duties and geo-environmental conditions. This most particularly affects non-subsidized goods," the minister remarked.
