Price Controls and Anti-Monopoly
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions.
Kuwaiti National Law
What is this right?
Kuwait regulates prices on essential goods and prohibits monopolistic practices:
- MOCI sets price caps on essential goods including food staples, fuel, and certain medicines.
- Price gouging — raising prices during emergencies, shortages, or crises — is a criminal offence.
- The Competition Protection Law prohibits agreements between companies to fix prices, divide markets, or restrict supply.
- Dominant market players cannot abuse their position to eliminate competitors or impose unfair terms.
- MOCI inspectors regularly monitor prices in shops and supermarkets to enforce compliance.
When does it apply?
- You notice a seller charging more than the official price for controlled goods.
- You suspect businesses are colluding to raise prices in your area.
- Essential goods are being hoarded or withheld to create artificial shortages.
What should you do?
- Report price violations to MOCI by calling 135 or using the MOCI app.
- Take a photo of the price tag and the product for evidence.
- For competition concerns, file a report with the Competition Protection Authority.
- During emergencies, report price gouging immediately — authorities act quickly on these complaints.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not panic-buy during shortages — this worsens the problem and can drive illegal price increases.
- Do not accept overcharging silently — one complaint can trigger an inspection that helps everyone.
- Do not share unverified price-gouging claims on social media — report to MOCI first and let them investigate.
Legal Resources
We may earn a commission if you use these services — at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to make legal information free for everyone.
LawDepotSend a formal demand letter to a business or creditor. State-specific financial and consumer documents ready in minutes.Create a Demand Letter →Credit KarmaFree credit monitoring, dispute tools, and alerts. Know when your credit report changes.Check Your Credit Free →IdentityGuardIdentity theft protection and monitoring. Get notified if your personal information is misused.Protect Your Identity →