CONSUMERS have a perfectly legitimate right to boycott certain merchants and producers to counter the spiraling costs of many essential foods in the Kingdom. As we reported a few days ago, others are also asking searching questions about the Ministry of Commerce and the Consumer Protection Association (CPA). Consumers say they have for years appealed unsuccessfully for the ministry to take action against merchants who are fleecing consumers of their hard-earned cash. They will now file a complaint with the National Society for Human Rights against the ministry. Similar views are expressed about the CPA, which has arguably done very little to help consumers. To be fair, both bodies are working to introduce laws to give government and consumers greater powers to tackle unscrupulous traders. We hope there will be a speedy promulgation of this much-needed legislation. We agree with an economics consultant, speaking in connection with the recent laban price increase, that these companies are posing a “blatant challenge” to government's attempts to keep basic foodstuffs cheap despite getting easy loans, facilities, free plots of land, customs exemptions, and unlimited number of recruitment visas. These firms are also not required to pay fees and taxes as is the case in other parts of the world. He offered a number of welcome solutions. This includes the suggestion that companies file an application with the Ministry of Commerce before raising prices, providing reasons and supporting documentation. The increase should not be related to management problems but rather to factors outside the company's control, such as an increase in global production input costs. Moreover, there should be no more than a five percent increase a year and consumers should be given a period of six months before the new price becomes effective. The Ministry of Commerce should also make unannounced visits to companies and check their accounts. Violators should be fined and have their names published in the daily newspapers. If they commit a second violation, they should be deprived of all government assistance and facilities. If they persist in on committing violations, their responsible directors should be imprisoned. These measures should be endorsed. There is no such thing as an unfettered free market. Every country needs deep and pervasive regulations, as demonstrated so dramatically by recent global financial disasters. Our livelihoods and quality of life are at stake here. __
