Muscat – Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) has released a public service announcement, “Know Your Rights Before You Shop,” urging consumers to immediately report merchants who violate established electronic payment (e-payment) regulations.

The initiative clarifies that e-payment must be available to protect consumers and simplify the shopping process. This requirement is mandatory for a wide range of businesses, including gold and silver shops, groceries, restaurants, coffee shops, electronics stores, building materials suppliers, industrial zone activities, malls, gift markets, and tobacco sellers.

Consumers are advised to file a report via the Ministry’s Tajawob platform in several key situations: if a shop refuses to provide the e-payment service, if they request extra charges for using e-payment, or if they attempt to hide the device or claim network issues to force a transfer to a private bank account.

The Ministry stresses the importance of reporting, warning that violations will continue and the overall shopping experience will not improve if consumers remain silent. Shoppers are encouraged to be proactive and become part of the effort to enhance the retail environment for everyone.