Qatar orders all businesses to record and update prices online to boost market transparency

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has issued a directive requiring all commercial, industrial, and public establishments in Qatar to record and regularly update the prices of commodities and services on the ministry’s official website.The initiative is designed to strengthen transparency in domestic markets, promote fair competition, and support Qatar’s ongoing digital transformation. By creating a centralised, up-to-date database of prices, the MOCI aims to provide consumers with clearer access to pricing information while helping businesses operate in a more transparent environment.The ministry emphasised that complete accuracy in submitted data is mandatory under Federal Law No. 12 of 1972 on compulsory pricing and profit margins, particularly Articles 1, 6, 9, and 10, which regulate suppliers’ core obligations. Establishments are expected to ensure all price entries comply fully with these binding legal provisions.The ministry further noted that it will continue to closely coordinate with operators of commercial activities to streamline the digital registration process and ensure strict enforcement of the relevant measures, in pursuit of stabilizing the market and safeguarding consumers' essential rights.The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) of Qatar was officially organized under Decree-Law No. 32 in 2004, which formalized its structure and assigned its competencies. It is responsible for regulating commercial and industrial activities to ensure fair trade, competition, and consumer protection in Qatar. MOCI's scope includes business licensing, market supervision, combatting fraud and monopolies, and supporting economic diversification aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. The ministry was established to create a competitive business environment with a self-reliant private sector aware of consumer rights and business obligations. Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani was appointed as minister in November 2024. The ministry actively enforces regulations and promotes sustainable economic growth and foreign investment.