MUSCAT : With commercial momentum building steadily, authorities have intensified monitoring and awareness campaigns to ensure market stability, fair pricing, and consumer protection.

The Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, along with Consumer Protection Departments in the Wilayats of Rustaq and Barka, has stepped up inspection drives and community outreach initiatives in response to the noticeable rise in commercial transactions.

Inspection campaigns have included extensive field visits to commercial complexes and markets across various wilayats. Specialised monitoring teams have focused on ensuring the availability of food supplies and essential consumer goods, verifying compliance with approved price lists, and addressing any practices that may compromise consumer rights or disrupt market stability.

Authorities have also provided guidance to shop owners on adhering to regulatory requirements, maintaining transparency in price displays, and complying with the Consumer Protection Law and its executive regulations.

Tariq bin Nasser Al-Harasi, Director of the Department of Trade, Industry and Investment Promotion in South Al Batinah Governorate, affirmed in a statement to the Oman News Agency that the Ministry remains committed to continuously monitoring the availability of basic goods and products in markets as part of its broader mandate to safeguard market balance and meet consumer needs.

He explained that specialised teams are conducting regular market assessments to ensure there are no shortages or irregularities affecting supply and demand. Continuous communication with traders and suppliers is also being maintained to address observations promptly and efficiently.

Al-Harasi noted that this follow-up forms part of an integrated action plan aimed at guaranteeing the smooth flow of goods while implementing necessary legal measures whenever required, in coordination with relevant authorities. He further anticipated a gradual increase in purchasing activity across the governorate in the coming days as households prepare for Ramadan.

Meanwhile, Engineer Yaqoub bin Mubarak Al Ghafri, Director of the Consumer Protection Department in Rustaq, highlighted the launch of a comprehensive awareness campaign ahead of the holy month. Through its Communication and Media Department, the initiative targets various segments of society with messages promoting rational consumption, avoiding extravagance, and planning purchases wisely to balance family needs with resource preservation.

Al Ghafri stated that these awareness and inspection campaigns have already yielded positive results, strengthening traders’ compliance with regulations and enhancing consumer awareness of their rights and responsibilities. He stressed the importance of community cooperation and encouraged consumers to report any violations through official channels to reinforce collective efforts in protecting consumer rights.

In Barka, Dr. Muntaser bin Salam Al-Harasi, Director of the Consumer Protection Department, confirmed that monitoring teams are conducting field inspections in two shifts — morning and evening — to track market movement and ensure supplier compliance with the Consumer Protection Law and price stability measures.

He warned that strict legal action will be taken against establishments found in violation of regulations.

Dr. Al-Harasi also announced the launch of the third season of the “We Made It Easy” initiative during Ramadan. The programme will feature awareness corners at various locations, educational lectures, and outreach visits aimed at promoting sound purchasing habits among consumers and suppliers alike.

In addition, the department is closely monitoring the availability and fair distribution of Ramadan baskets in commercial outlets, ensuring they meet approved standards and are offered equitably to consumers.

Coordination with the Central Salal Centre is ongoing to oversee the supply and price stability of essential commodities, particularly fruits and vegetables, ensuring that products reach consumers safely and regularly.

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