Muscat – The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) has floated a tender to provide consultancy services for a study on the difference in car prices in Oman and other GCC countries.

The study will also make an assessment of the market and competition in the spare parts sector. Deadline for submission of bids is March 23, 2022.

Announcement of the tender evoked strong reactions among citizens on social media, especially on Twitter.
Ahmed al Shehhi, a citizen, tweeted, “This issue does not require a tender and a study. I purchased spare parts a month ago from Buraimi RO350 cheaper than Sohar.”
Said al Balushi questioned the need for a tender for the purpose. “The ministry must form a team in cooperation with Consumer Protection Authority to accomplish such tasks.”

Yousef al Qasimi tweeted, “The result of the study will be similar to what happened on the issue of fuel quality. It’ll say there is no major difference and that prices in the local market are good. But the truth is that most Omanis buy spare parts from neighbouring countries for less than half the price.”

Hussain al Omairi was of the opinion that the study will be a waste of time and money. “The ministry has employees who can deal with this issue without a tender. I ask the ministry, ‘Did you take any specific measures to find out the reasons for the price hike before announcing this tender?’”

Ghanem, another Twitter user, said, “The result of this study will have a significant impact. I’d prefer if ministry employees conducted it in cooperation with other government agencies and that prices in the local market are good. But the truth is that most Omanis buy spare parts from neighbouring countries for less the half the price.”

Hussain al Omairi was of the opinion that the study will be a waste of time and money. “The ministry has employees who can deal with this issue without a tender. I ask the ministry, ‘Did you take any specific measures to find out the reasons for the price hike before announcing this tender?’”

Ghanem, another Twitter user, said, “The result of this study will have a significant impact. I’d prefer if ministry employees conducted it in cooperation with other government agencies.”