Inspectors check availability of goods before Ramadan

PREPARED: Supermarket shelves are well-stocked ahead of Ramadan.

RIYADH: With only days before Ramadan, a team from the Ministry of Commerce and Investment (MCI) has launched an intensive inspection campaign on retail outlets. The inspections are to ensure the availability of basic commodities and monitor promotions during the month of Ramadan.
An official from the MCI said that the ministry inspectors would check the validity of such items, and necessary action would be taken against anyone found in violation of the law. “This comes within the Ministry’s plan, applied each year, during the Holy Month of Ramadan,” he said.
The MCI confirmed that the inspection teams would check for price tags on items and verify that those prices match with the billing of cash register (NCR) at the check-out counter.
“The inspectors will also carefully monitor promotions offered by markets and shops, especially during Ramadan, to ensure the absence of any fake offers or sales. The inspectors will take necessary legal action against any violations and will impose proper penalties on violators in accordance with the degree of the offense,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the MCI has pointed out that the recent field inspection tours, showed the availability of all goods and foodstuffs needed by consumers during Ramadan, in addition to appropriate alternatives, for each item.
The MCI has called on all consumers to lodge complaints and observations by using the toll free number (1900) or through the application of a commercial notification round the clock.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets throughout the Kingdom have stockpiled the needed foodstuffs. Promotions and prizes have also been announced to encourage customers to make maximum purchases from their respective outlets.