MP wants to know ‘why’ prices go up in Ramadan

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KUWAIT CITY, April 12: MP Riyadh Al-Adsani has forwarded questions to Minister of Commerce and Industry Khaled Al-Roudhan about the high prices of commodities and commercial fraud during Ramadan.

Al-Adsani pointed out that every time the holy month of Ramadan approaches, some commercial companies and markets are taking advantage of the season to increase prices without justification. He said the freedom to engage in economic activity is guaranteed for all; provided it does not restrict, prevent or harm free competition, in accordance with the Constitution and laws and without contravening international treaties and agreements implemented in the country. He added the influential natural or legal entities should not abuse laws and agreements, particularly those related to prices. He pointed out the duties of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry include protecting the rights of consumers.

The lawmaker then asked the minister to provide him with the following:

■ Plan of the Competition Protection Authority and Ministry of Commerce and Industry to monitor and follow up prices, prevent monopoly, ensure availability of goods in marketing festivals and check the quality of products sold in all markets during Ramadan.

■ Number of inspection, monitoring and control teams; inspection tours conducted and decisions taken to protect consumers against commercial fraud, counterfeit goods and unjustified price hikes.

■ Confirmation on the closure of the supply branch of Firdous Cooperative Society, reasons for closure and alternative place for Firdous residents to receive food supplies.

Meanwhile, the Education, Culture and Guidance Committee on Thursday discussed with a team from the Ministry of Education several proposals on the return of lawmakers who used to be faculty members at Kuwait University and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) once their term in the National Assembly ends. MP Khalil Abdullah Aboul explained the committee is working towards the expansion of areas for lawmakers to return to their previous workplaces after their tenure at the Assembly.

In another development, the Ministry of Interior has rejected the proposal of MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei to conduct periodic drug tests for members of military institutions such as the ministries of Interior and Defense, National Guard and Kuwait Fire Service Directorate. On another issue, MP Askar Al-Enezi has proposed specifying the times for heavy vehicles to ply through major roads from 12:00 noon to 5:00 am in a bid to prevent traffic jams.

Heavy vehicles usually cause road congestion while exposing other road users to danger and inconvenience; hence, the need to set the timing for these to ply through major roads as it is done in several countries, he explained.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff

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