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Doha, Qatar: Qatar is strengthening efforts to protect consumer rights and curb commercial violations, with consumers encouraged to take an active role by checking prices, comparing offers and obtaining written details before agreeing to maintenance or repair services.
Head of the Commercial Fraud Control Section at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Abdullah Ali Saeed Salma, highlighted a range of consumer rights and responsibilities during an interview with Qatar TV yesterday, stressing that greater consumer awareness is a key line of defence against commercial manipulation and exploitation.
He advised consumers to determine their needs and check advertised prices before visiting a retail outlet, allowing them to compare the price displayed on the shelf with the amount charged at the cashier.
“Combating manipulation and putting an end to such practices starts with the consumer,” Salma said, stressing that consumers should know the prices of the products they intend to purchase and refuse to pay more than the displayed price.
He also underlined the rights of consumers when dealing with maintenance and repair services. Service outlets are required to make their maintenance services and prices available to consumers, enabling them to know what types of services are offered and how much each costs.
Before any maintenance or repair work is carried out, the consumer must receive written details specifying the cost of the repair, the work to be undertaken and the expected completion date. Such information, he said, is essential to prevent consumers from being surprised by unexpected charges after the work has been completed.
Salma further explained that consumers have the right to request a detailed list of prices, including the cost of individual parts and services, rather than simply accepting a general quotation for the repair.
The Ministry also maintains measures to deal with establishments that violate consumer protection regulations. Financial penalties for violations can range from QR3,000 to QR1m, in addition to possible criminal penalties, depending on the nature of the offence.
Addressing the issue of unclear or multiple prices displayed on the same product, Salma said placing two different prices on a single product constitutes a violation. The price must be clear and legible so that consumers are not confused about how much they are required to pay.
Consumers who encounter such violations can submit complaints through the Ministry’s available channels, including the unified hotline 16001, the Ministry’s website, its hotline and email, as well as by submitting a complaint in person at the Ministry.
Salma also encouraged consumers to make use of Qatar’s competitive market by visiting more than one outlet and comparing prices before making a purchase.
He said consumers should know what they need before going to a point of sale and take advantage of their freedom to compare products and prices across different outlets. Such practices, he noted, help consumers make informed decisions and determine what constitutes a suitable price.
The official stressed that stronger cooperation between consumers and the authorities can contribute to greater market awareness and help curb practices that undermine consumer rights.
