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Qatar’s authority on Wednesday issued a hefty fine of 1,000,000 Qatari Riyals on a store for increasing prices without prior approval from the authority.
The penalty comes amid the ongoing Israel-US-Iran war, where Gulf countries have become target of Iranian missiles.
On February 28, the day the strikes began, Qatar’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry had confirmed the availability of goods in the country while also ramping up field inspections to ensure price stability.
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On March 4, the authority issued penalties against Al-Taqaddum Marketing, including its closure for a month, according to the Law No. (8) of 2008 regarding Consumer Protection.
Consumers have been urged to report any violations to the authority on its call centre at 16001.
The authority said Al-Taqaddum Marketing did not obtain any prior approval from it and failed to comply with the rules and regulations governing price increases.
The ministry had earlier clarified that its field inspection teams continue to carry out intensive inspection campaigns across retail outlets and markets to monitor supply conditions and ensure that suppliers comply with the provision of essential goods and the maintenance of price stability, in addition to detecting any violations and taking the necessary legal measures accordingly
In coordination with retail outlets, it had arranged for major branches to operate 24 hours a day. A total of 22 branches across all regions of the State are now open around the clock to ensure uninterrupted access to essential goods and services.
