COVID-19: 1,600+ fines issued against businesses in Oman since start of pandemic

Merge 104.8  |  04 June 2020

As a result of the follow-up and monitoring of business practices in the local market, Oman’s Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) has issued 1,610 fines against a number of trade establishments in different governorates of the Sultanate from February 25-May 31, 2020. 

Cover image for illustrative purposes only. Source: Shutterstock

As Oman News Agency (ONA) reports, the fines slapped on offenders fell in different categories— with the highest number of fines issued against ‘hiking prices’ (550 fines), followed by offenses in ‘failure to set prices’ (372 fines).

Among other infractions to which fines were issued were the non-issuance of invoices, the unauthorized marketing of herbs, applying unfair terms and conditions, discrepancies between shelf price and cashier price, organizing unlicensed trade exhibitions and advertisements, organizing misleading exhibitions and advertisements, and failure to adhere to specifications and standards.

Source: ONA

(Also read: No expat will ever be asked to pay a single riyal for COVID-19 treatment in Oman: Minister of Health.)