Online businesses, delivery services urged to follow pricing rules

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has stressed the need for delivery companies that use electronic means and platforms operating within Qatar to abide by Ministerial Resolution No. 8 of 2013 regarding the controls and regulations for increasing the price of goods and services.In a statement Saturday, the ministry called on such companies to fulfil their obligations towards the protection of consumer rights, especially in terms of applying fair pricing, in accordance with the provisions of the laws and regulations in force, particularly Law No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection, the official Qatar News Agency reported.This measure comes as part of the MoCI’s efforts to regulate and control the price of goods and services within the local market, support the sustainability of economic activity, promote market balance, control inflation rates and support the purchasing power of citizens and residents.The ministry explained that, based on the delivery service fees (by bike/vehicle) and the current service prices determined as a percentage of the total order (marketing/ marketing and delivery) used in markets and by suppliers (restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets and their contracted suppliers), the rates and fees for marketing and delivery services defined by these businesses have been set as follows:Based on the second paragraph of Article 10 of Decree-Law No. 14 of 2011, amending Law No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection, the MoCI said “the supplier may not cause any increase in the price of commodities and services without complying with the principles and controls issued in HE the Minister's resolution”. Resolution No. 8 of 2013 regarding the controls and regulations for increasing the price of goods and services defined the standards and conditions for dealing with price increases.The ministry stressed the need to adhere to the conditions stipulated in the applicable laws and regulations, and to adhere to the fees of e-marketingand product delivery services, as defined by the rates and wages specified in the contracts submitted to the MoCI.The ministry also noted that it is not permissible to apply any increase to the approved wages and rates, except by submitting a request to the Committee Tasked with Determining Maximum Prices and Profit Rates and obtaining its prior approval, once it conducts the necessary evaluation pursuant to the applicable standards and conditions.The MoCI has confirmed that anyone who violates the provisions of Article No. 10 of Law No. 8 of 2008 on Consumer Protection will be subject to penalties of up to:* A fine amounting to QR1mn.* Administrative closure for a period of three months.The ministry has called upon all restaurants, cafes, cafeterias, shops, major outlets and suppliers not to sign contracts with delivery companies that define wages and rates higher than those specified in this circular. The parties concerned must communicate with the competent authorities at the ministry in the event of noncompliance with the above.The MoCI has urged all citizens and residents to report any violations or infractions through the call centre: 16001; Twitter: @MOCIQATAR; and Instagram: MOCIQATAR