Doha: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry carried out a wide-scale inspection campaign targeting gold shops across the country, in response to increasing consumer complaints about some stores refusing to sell gold or keeping it hidden from display.

According to Qatar News Agency, the ministry said in a statement today that the campaign covered approximately 94 shops, resulting in the detection of 9 violators engaging in illegal practices, including concealing gold and refusing to sell it to consumers to manipulate prices. This violates Article 10 of Law No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection, which stipulates that: No supplier shall hide any commodity or refrain from selling it with the intent of controlling the market price, or impose the purchase of certain quantities or other products, or charge a price higher than announced price.

The ministry indicated that legal reports were filed against the violating shops and necessary legal actions were taken.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stressed that such practices constitute a breach of the law and harm market stability and consumer rights, emphasizing that it will continue regular inspection and monitoring campaigns to ensure all shops comply with the applicable laws and regulations.

The ministry also urged all consumers to report any violations or illegal practices.