Price Controls in Kuwait (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Kuwait actively regulates prices on essential goods — MOCI inspectors patrol shops and supermarkets regularly:
- MOCI sets price caps on essential goods including food staples, fuel, and certain medicines.
- Price gouging during emergencies, shortages, or crises is a criminal offence — Kuwait prosecuted multiple cases during supply disruptions.
- 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.
- Kuwait's co-operative societies (consumer co-ops) play a unique role — they are member-owned supermarkets that keep prices low in local neighbourhoods and are regulated separately by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
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.
- Essential goods are being hoarded or withheld to create artificial shortages.
What to Do If You Are Being Charged More Than the Official Price in Kuwait
- Call MOCI hotline 135 to report price violations — you can also use 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 — MOCI acts quickly on these complaints.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not panic-buy during shortages — this worsens the problem and drives 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. Social media defamation is a criminal offence in Kuwait.
About Consumer Rights in Kuwait
Your consumer rights in Kuwait sit under Law No. 39 of 2014, enforced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) through hotline 135. You can return defective products for refund, replacement, or repair. Products must meet PAI standards with Arabic labelling. Price-fixing and counterfeit goods are criminal under the Competition Protection Law (Law No. 10 of 2007). E-commerce sits under Law No. 20 of 2014; cybercrime under Law No. 63 of 2015. Bank and finance complaints go to the Central Bank of Kuwait, which caps interest rates and salary deductions.
Common Questions
What is the price controls and anti-monopoly right in Kuwait?
Kuwait actively regulates prices on essential goods — MOCI inspectors patrol shops and supermarkets regularly:MOCI sets price caps on essential goods including food staples, fuel, and certain medicines.Price gouging during emergencies, shortages, or crises is a criminal offence — Kuwait prosecuted multiple cases during supply disruptions.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.Kuwait's co-operative societies...
When does it apply — price controls and anti-monopoly?
You notice a seller charging more than the official price for controlled goods.You suspect businesses are colluding to raise prices.Essential goods are being hoarded or withheld to create artificial shortages.
What should I do if a seller in Kuwait is charging more than the legal price for goods?
Call MOCI hotline 135 to report price violations — you can also use 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 — MOCI acts quickly on these complaints.
What should you NOT do — price controls and anti-monopoly?
Do not panic-buy during shortages — this worsens the problem and drives 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. Social media defamation is a criminal offence in Kuwait.