A team of inspectors will be cracking down on Ramadan price cheats in the Kingdom of Bahrain , it was revealed.

Customers have also been advised to avoid spending sprees before the holy month.

’Consumers can make the most of their money by opting for goods that best suit their needs without eroding their purchasing power,’ Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro said as he visited Al Mutazah Supermarket in Hoora, Aswaq Al Awafi and the Juffair-based Megamart.

The tour, the second in a week, was part of efforts to ensure the availability of sufficient staples on the eve of Ramadan.

’Consumers can make smart purchasing decisions as the market abounds in goods of various prices and quality,’ he said.

’Thai fragrant Jasmine rice is 40 per cent cheaper than Pakistani or Indian Basmati brands,’ Dr Fakhro said.

Citing traders, he said a 10kg sack of Thai rice is sold at BD5.600, compared to BD12 for Basmati. He also urged traders to make sure price tags and labels are visible to help customers make their decisions.

He singled out staples like meat, flour and poultry, as they are subsidised through a BD24 million government package.

He also hailed traders’ efforts to stabilise the markets and provide supplies at affordable prices, as demand for particular goods soars during Ramadan.

’It is vital to intensify shopping promotions and enhance consumers’ awareness,’ he said.

He highlighted the crucial role of importers in supplying the market, diversifying options and prices so that consumers can make the best choice.

The ministry’s role in regulating prices, cracking down on violations, particularly cheating and monopoly, also came under the spotlight.

Dr Fakhro announced that inspections at trading outlets would be stepped up in the wake of Ramadan.-TradeArabia News Service