MUSCAT – According to a statement from the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), its General Directorate in North Al Batinah, Sohar, received a complaint from a consumer who had contracted a home-furniture company to design and install a kitchen valued at RO 1,600. The consumer had paid RO 1,000 in advance, with the agreement that the work would be completed on a specified date.

However, the company failed to deliver the service within the agreed timeframe, prompting the consumer to file a formal complaint demanding either completion of the kitchen installation or a refund, along with compensation for delays.

Following an investigation, the Directorate determined that the establishment had not provided the service properly or in accordance with the nature of the contractual obligation, in violation of Article 39, referenced with Article 23 of the Executive Regulations of the Consumer Protection Law. The case was subsequently referred to the competent judicial authorities.

In court convicted the defendant of two misdemeanours: failing to provide the service properly and failing to issue an Arabic-language invoice documenting the purchase or service received. The court imposed a fine of RO 100 for each offense. Additionally, it ordered the establishment to refund the RO 1,000 advance payment to the plaintiff and to cover related fees and expenses. The court dismissed the remaining claims.

The reiterated its commitment to enforcing market regulations and urged all businesses to adhere strictly to the law. It emphasized that legal action will be taken against any party found in violation, in order to safeguard consumer rights.