Consumer prices committee transferred from Cooperatives to Ministry of Commerce

In a significant move to enhance consumer protection and streamline price regulation, the Ministry of Social Affairs announced the upcoming transfer of the Cooperative Societies’ Pricing Committee to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Ministry spokesperson Yousef Al-Mutairi explained this step will centralize the pricing process for companies wishing to supply goods to cooperative societies. The committee will be responsible for comparing prices, analyzing product costs, and establishing standardized pricing mechanisms, reports Al-Rai daily.

Al-Mutairi revealed that the Ministry of Social Affairs, in coordination with the Federation of Cooperative Societies, plans to launch an electronic platform to compare and track product prices. The goal is to enhance transparency, unify pricing, and protect consumer interests across all cooperatives.

He clarified that this transfer of responsibility comes under a cooperation protocol signed between the Ministries of Social Affairs and Commerce, following instructions from the Cabinet. The protocol is designed to hand over all responsibilities and powers of the Consumer Prices Committee from the Federation of Cooperative Societies to the Ministry of Commerce, which has the legal authority and technical capacity to oversee price monitoring.

Al-Mutairi praised the shift as a transition from mere cooperation to full integration between ministries, highlighting the leadership of Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalifa Al-Ajeel and Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah.

He confirmed that the committee will now operate under the Ministry of Commerce but will include representation from the Federation of Cooperative Societies, ensuring a tripartite collaboration. Defined roles for each of the three parties — Commerce, Social Affairs, and the Federation — are expected to foster accountability, transparency, and ultimately benefit the Kuwaiti consumer through more consistent pricing across all cooperative societies.