Economic Ministry cracks down on missing price displays, issues notices to 17 shops

The Ministry of Economic Development has issued notices to 17 shops in Malé for failing to display prices in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act.

In a post on X, the ministry said it inspected 34 shops in the capital between 15 and 20 October, finding that 17 had failed to comply with price-display requirements.

It said inspections would continue and warned that action would be taken against businesses that do not comply.

The inspections follow the ministry’s warning on 14 October that businesses must clearly communicate the prices of goods to consumers

. In that announcement, the ministry cited Article 16 of the Consumer Protection of Goods and Services Act, which prohibits selling goods without making their prices known to buyers.

The ministry explained that prices must be written, printed or attached to goods, or clearly displayed where the goods are offered for sale.

It urged businesses to ensure that all items offered for sale meet these requirements.

The earlier announcement also stated that compliance would be monitored through inspections under Section 66 of the Act, with action against businesses found in violation under Section 84.