Majed Al-Suqairi Okaz/Saudi Gazette MADINAH – A committee comprising representatives of the ministries of commerce and municipal and rural affairs has specified a number of measures to curb price increases before the advent of the holy month of Ramadan. The committee has also put in place a system to intensify market monitoring activities. The two ministries have informed their branches in different regions and governorates to implement the new directive and take necessary measures to control prices. A number of field teams will deploy immediately in different parts of the Kingdom to supervise monitoring of markets selling foodstuffs and other commodities. The tasks of the monitoring teams are to note down the difference in prices between various brands, quickly deal with complaints from consumers, spot traders who inflate prices before the advent of Ramadan and penalize them, and monitor prices inside markets and shopping malls prior to and during the holy month. The committee also specified strict mechanisms for monitoring the prices of commodities and combating commercial fraud.The move follows directives from higher authorities to tighten supervision of markets in view of the trend among traders to raise prices during festive occasions.
