Al-Khalil did not reveal the names of the importers, but said four poultry companies were also investigated for raising the prices of eggs without any justification, since prices of fodder had not gone up worldwide.
He said many merchants and traders exploited the two months’ salary bonus ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for public sector employees by hiking prices.
Al-Khalil asked residents to keep their invoices if they feel prices are higher than usual and complain to the ministry so it could take legal action against unscrupulous traders.
The official added that the prices of some basic commodities, including sugar and cooking oil, would decrease over the next two months as costs are expected to fall worldwide.
Citizens and foreign residents in the country have been complaining about unprecedented price increases in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, committees comprising various government departments were inspecting markets and shops to check any increase in prices and punish violators.
According to sources, the inspections will precede the appointment of 500 price controllers ordered by King Abdullah.
At a local market, significant discrepancies were noticed in the prices of certain goods. For instance, the price of a particular brand of toothpaste in one pharmacy was SR10 more than the price found in another pharmacy.
