Consumer Protection Seizes Merchants Violating Charcoal Pricing in Gaza

Consumer protection teams in Gaza have seized merchants selling charcoal at prices exceeding the official rate, referring them to legal authorities. The ministry confirms continued monitoring campaigns and calls on citizens to report violations.

Consumer protection teams under the Ministry of National Economy in Gaza Governorate have seized a number of merchants violating the official pricing for charcoal during a monitoring tour targeting markets and sales outlets. The ministry stated that its teams conducted an inspection and field follow-up campaign to control prices of basic commodities and pursue merchants who exploit citizens' needs and raise prices in violation of the approved pricing. It explained that the teams detected several cases of merchants selling charcoal at prices exceeding the price ceiling set by the ministry, in violation of instructions and laws regulating market activity. It noted that all violators were referred to the legal department, pending legal and administrative action. The Ministry of National Economy affirmed its continued monitoring efforts to protect consumer rights and prevent exploitation of their needs or price manipulation, stressing the necessity for merchants to adhere to the official approved pricing. It called on citizens to cooperate with consumer protection teams and report any violations, monopolies, or price hikes through communication channels and complaint numbers approved by the ministry. These measures come as part of market monitoring and price control of basic commodities amid the difficult economic conditions faced by citizens in the Gaza Strip.