Manama, Dec. 28 (BNA): The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism is stepping up its clampdown to ensure that basic commodities are provided to citizens and residents and prevent any tampering with prices in local markets.

The crackdown follows directives from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to monitor prices and make sure basic commodities are supplied.

Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani saidl that the inspection campaign covered supermarkets, coldstores and and other shopping outlets

Al Zayani said that the ministry would continue its efforts to monitor markets and prices and urged owners of outlets to abide by the law, warned that immediate measures would be taken against violators. He underlined efforts to support national food products.

He said that the clampdown followed circulated news that some dairy companies had increased the prices of their products. Inspectors conducted the campaign to check the prices of milk and byproducts as well as juices.

bna