Muscat – With consumer spending traditionally rising during Ramadan, shoppers are urged to exercise caution and make informed purchasing decisions, particularly amid seasonal promotions and special offers. The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), along with marketing and financial experts, has called on consumers to verify discounts, compare prices and avoid being influenced by emotional or time-sensitive […]
Muscat – With consumer spending traditionally rising during Ramadan, shoppers are urged to exercise caution and make informed purchasing decisions, particularly amid seasonal promotions and special offers.
The Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), along with marketing and financial experts, has called on consumers to verify discounts, compare prices and avoid being influenced by emotional or time-sensitive marketing messages.
Salim Al Harthy, a marketing specialist, said Ramadan campaigns often appeal to emotions associated with generosity, family gatherings and spiritual values.
“Retailers frequently design promotions that connect products with social traditions or religious sentiments. While such strategies are not inherently negative, consumers must distinguish between emotional appeal and factual product information,” he said.
Financial consultant Aisha Al Balushi stressed the importance of disciplined spending during the holy month. “Impulse buying tends to increase when promotions are aggressively advertised. Preparing a shopping list and setting a clear budget can significantly limit unnecessary expenditure,” she said.
The CPA has intensified its awareness efforts through a recently published video titled ‘Deceptive Marketing and Consumer Awareness’, highlighting how intense market competition may push some businesses to adopt misleading tactics aimed at influencing purchasing behaviour.
According to the authority, deceptive marketing practices may include concealing essential information, exaggerating claims, diverting attention from key facts or fabricating offers to encourage hasty decisions – concepts often linked to behavioural economics.
A CPA official noted that Ramadan promotions frequently create a sense of urgency through ‘limited-time’ or ‘exclusive’ offers.
“Consumers should verify the authenticity of discounts and ensure that the final price represents genuine savings,” the official said.
The authority affirmed that it continues to monitor market practices to ensure fairness and transparency. Violators of consumer protection regulations face penalties under Article 41 of the Consumer Protection Law, including fines ranging from RO100 to RO5,000.
Reiterating its message to the public, the CPA stated, ‘Your protection is our goal and our responsibility.’ Consumers who encounter misleading practices can contact the authority through its helpline numbers 80077997 and 80079009 or via its official website.
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