Muscat – As Eid Al Adha approaches, the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has intensified its market inspection campaigns and field monitoring efforts in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure price stability, the availability of essential goods and services, and the protection of consumers from practices that could disrupt market stability.

The move comes as the CPA addressed reports circulating on social media regarding increases in construction material prices, stressing that the figures being circulated are inaccurate and do not reflect actual market conditions in Oman.

The authority clarified that the rate of change in steel prices between February and May 2026 did not exceed 12%, while cement prices recorded a change rate of 18%. It noted that construction material prices may witness temporary fluctuations due to supply and demand dynamics, as well as changes in import, shipping and production costs linked to raw materials and broader regional economic developments.

The CPA said it has stepped up monitoring campaigns across construction material markets to prevent the exploitation of current conditions. The inspections resulted in the detection of several violations, with legal measures taken against offending establishments in accordance with applicable regulations. The authority also called on suppliers to adhere to transparency and comply with regulations, while urging consumers to verify information before sharing it on social media and to rely on official and credible sources for market data.

In parallel, the CPA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, conducted a joint inspection campaign to assess the readiness of a number of slaughterhouses in Muscat ahead of Eid Al Adha.

The inspection aimed to evaluate the preparedness of slaughterhouses to receive consumers during the holiday period, ensure price stability, review health and organisational procedures, and guarantee smooth operations in line with the expected surge in demand for slaughtering services during Eid.

The visit also included inspections of fruit and vegetable availability and pricing at Silal Market, as well as monitoring supply movement and price stability to ensure the availability of essential goods and protect consumers from practices that may affect market balance.