The Ministry of Trade and Industry plans to clamp down on tampering with food prices to protect the consumer from “exploitation” during Ramadan, a season of traditionally high demand. A source said that while the ministry could set prices, it would not permit any tampering of priced products, and markets and shopping malls would be closely monitored and any fluctuations reported. “Traders found to be in breach of regulations will receive firm punishments, including suspension from trading,” the source said. The ministry said it had observed price rises, notably in rural areas, while reports show that fruit and vegetables in Riyadh are up by 10 percent on last year's prices.
