Inspections are to be stepped up to protect consumers against price cheating during Ramadan.

Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, on Sunday, gave orders to intensify market controls and clamp down on speculators.

Chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting, he urged traders and businessmen to join ranks with the government and ensure price stability.

Authorities concerned were also instructed to apply the law firmly and crack down on market violations.

The skyrocketing prices due to global inflationary trends also came under the spotlight. The Premier stressed the government's strong resolve to ease pressure on Bahraini families.

'The advent of Ramadan, the new school year and the forthcoming Eid Al Fitr are likely to put pressure on families as their needs for goods may double,' the Premier said.

He also extended greetings to His Majesty King Hamad marking the advent of Ramadan.

Sunni and Jaafari Endowment Directorates were also instructed to remedy any shortcomings at mosques, regarding air-conditioning, lighting and maintenance. - TradeArabia News Service