Muscat – Suppliers who increase prices during crises, natural disasters or exceptional market conditions could face fines of up to RO1,000, with penalties doubling for repeat violations, the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) has warned.

In a consumer awareness notice, the CPA highlighted Article 19 of the Implementing Regulation of the Consumer Protection Law, which prohibits suppliers from raising prices when crises or other exceptional circumstances arise in the market.

The regulation covers four situations: crises, natural pandemics, exceptional circumstances and any special or abnormal situation in the market. The measure aims to protect consumers from unjustified price increases during periods when demand, supply disruptions or other unusual conditions may place additional pressure on household budgets.

Under the regulation, violators face an administrative fine ranging from RO500 to RO1,000. In cases of repeated violations, the fine is doubled.

If the violation continues, an additional RO50 is imposed for each day the breach persists, according to the CPA notice.

The warning highlights the authority’s efforts to ensure that suppliers comply with consumer protection regulations and prevent exceptional circumstances from being used to justify price increases.

Consumers who suspect violations are encouraged to contact the authority through its official channels and provide relevant details to support complaints.

The CPA continues to emphasise the importance of market monitoring and compliance with consumer protection rules to maintain fair trading practices and safeguard consumers’ rights across Oman.