Kuwait to Suspend Ration Cards of Kuwaitis Caught Reselling Subsidized Goods

KUWAIT CITY, Jul 28: Kuwait’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Osama Boodai, has issued Ministerial Decree No. 154 of 2026, introducing new rules that limit eligibility for subsidized food items and impose stricter penalties for misuse of ration card benefits.

Under the new decree, subsidized food will be available only to Kuwaiti citizens, their families and their domestic workers. The decision amends Clause 1 of Article 5 of Ministerial Decree No. 216 of 2014.

The decree also repeals all previous provisions governing the distribution or use of subsidized goods for categories not covered under the new rules.

In a move aimed at preventing abuse of the subsidy system, the ministry said ration card allocations will be suspended for anyone found reselling or transferring subsidized goods to others. Violators will also be referred to the competent authorities for legal action.

The decision took effect on July 27, 2026, and will be published in the Official Gazette. All government entities concerned have been instructed to implement the new regulations, with any conflicting provisions deemed revoked.