Price Controls and Anti-Monopoly in Kuwait
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. 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.
Common Questions
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.