Expats remark with delight over price reduction initiative

Doha, Qatar: Following the Ministry of Commerce and Industry s (MOCI) announcement of a price reduction initiative covering over 1,000 consumer goods...

Doha, Qatar: Following the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s (MOCI) announcement of a price-reduction initiative covering over 1,000 consumer goods in Ramadan, Qatar’s diverse expatriate community has welcomed the move with widespread relief. 

Speaking to The Peninsula, expats and residents note that the discounts are crucial for managing household budgets during a period of increased social and charitable spending.

“With three school-aged children, our grocery bill usually skyrockets because of the special meals and the constant cleaning,” said Maria Santos, an expat from the Philippines.

“Seeing the discount stickers on the shelves gives me a sense of security. It means I don’t have to ‘shop around’ for the best deal; I know the price is fair and regulated across all major hypermarkets, and it takes the stress out of the month.”

For the millions of expats living in Qatar, Ramadan is a season of communal Iftars and early-morning Suhoors, and also traditionally brings a spike in grocery bills.