MUSCAT : The ministry stressed that businesses must comply with licensing and pricing regulations when advertising discounts to protect consumer rights, ensure transparency and strengthen confidence in the local market.

Under the existing requirements, businesses must obtain a licence from the ministry before advertising discounts and display it prominently inside their stores. They must also clearly show prices before and after discounts, specify the discount percentage and adhere to the discount period stated in the licence.

The regulations stipulate that discounts must not be less than 20 percent, except for food products, vehicles, gold, precious stones, jewellery and similar items.

Businesses are prohibited from increasing prices before applying discounts or displaying misleading prices to attract customers. They must also ensure that discounted products remain fit for use for at least 30 days after the discount period ends.

The ministry further highlighted that direct and indirect discounts on tobacco products and their derivatives are prohibited.

Administrative fines may be imposed for non-compliance, with penalties doubled for repeat offences, in addition to any other applicable penalties.

The ministry emphasised that adherence to commercial discount requirements is a responsibility shared by businesses and forms part of efforts to safeguard consumers and maintain trust in Oman’s marketplace.

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