Kuwait city: As the holy month of Ramadhan approaches, attention turns to local markets, which witness an increase in consumption rates. Early preparations are underway by the Union of Cooperative Societies in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to ensure the availability of essential goods in cooperative societies and markets, maintain price stability, and strengthen supervision of sales outlets across all governorates. According to Kuwait News Agency, preparations by the Union of Cooperative Societies and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry continue through boosting stock levels and organizing promotions and discounts to maintain market balance and enhance the availability of high-demand goods. This reflects an ongoing commitment to price stability and providing diverse options to meet various needs during the holy month. Supervisory efforts by the Ministry are intensifying through increased inspection campaigns and close monitoring of prices to ensure compliance with regulations and to deter any violations or exploitative practices, reinforcing a fair and stable commercial environment during the holy month. Faisal Al-Ansari, Director of the Commercial Control Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, highlighted that the ministry has prepared a team to monitor prices during Ramadhan, which started operating at central markets on "Wholesale Street" in the Shuwaikh Industrial Area. Al-Ansari explained that the department's focus was keeping basic food prices stable. Prices and invoices displayed to consumers in shops on Wholesale Street have been reviewed, and shops have pledged not to raise prices, maintaining them as they were before, during, and after Ramadhan. He emphasized that the ministry continues to develop its oversight tools in line with current requirements by enhancing fieldwork and employing modern electronic systems to monitor market movements and analyze price indicators proactively. Moreover, Al-Ansari noted that the ministry is moving forward in developing th e business environment by simplifying procedures and enhancing digital services to facilitate companies' and institutions' compliance with approved regulations and improve commercial performance efficiency according to best regulatory practices. He stressed that consumer protection remained a constant priority through raising awareness of rights and obligations, intensifying awareness campaigns, and strengthening direct communication channels to receive feedback and suggestions. For her part, Mariam Al-Awadh, Chairperson of the Union of Cooperative Societies, explained that cooperative societies were taking all necessary measures in conjunction with Ramadhan. She confirmed that food and consumer products were available, and suppliers were delivering regularly and in larger quantities during Ramadhan. Cooperative Societies place urgent purchase orders, and if any product runs short, a substitute would be provided as quickly as possible. Al-Awadh highlighted the special importance and strong support given to national products, in line with directives from the Minister of Social Affairs and Family and Childhood Affairs, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah. Early preparations have enhanced the operational readiness of central markets, particularly in inventory management and storage, ensuring the continuous availability of essential goods throughout Ramadhan without interruption, with a focus on high-demand items. She added the Union was keen to maintain coordination with all relevant parties to enhance work efficiency and ensure smooth procedures during Ramadhan thus meeting consumers' needs across different areas. She noted that most central markets affiliated with cooperative societies operate 24 hours a day throughout the week, while branches working hours vary from one area to another. Al-Awadh called for moderation in purchasing according to need and avoiding overcrowding in central markets. She urged citizens and residents to report any violations to the competent authorities, noting that inquiries and communication ca n be made via the Union's email ([email protected]).
