According to a report in Al-Madinah Arabic daily, several consumers and pharmacy employees blamed some companies and importers for the unexplained hikes. They urged authorities to immediately intervene.
A number of employees of pharmacies and distribution outlets said some baby milk producers hiked prices without notice. They noted importers have been asked to increase prices effective last Wednesday without any justification.
Fahd Al-Rabighi, a citizen, urged authorities to intensify monitoring of the market and take action against those who increase the prices of baby milk exorbitantly.
“A lack of effective market monitoring and fixing of prices for baby milk have prompted producers and importers to charge the prices of their choice,” he said.
Meanwhile, an official of a baby milk distribution company who requested anonymity told the newspaper that prices of baby milk are soaring and that is unaffordable for people with limited incomes.
“Prices of baby milk soared nearly 400 percent over the last three years. No doubt this steady increase in prices is mainly because of a lack of monitoring,” he said.
Echoing the same view, Fuad Al-Sabahi, manager of a pharmacy in Jeddah, said pharmacies and other sales outlets selling baby milk have nothing to do with the reckless increase in prices.
“It is the baby milk producing companies that hiked prices even though local or international markets seem to be stable,” he said.
According to Al-Sabahi, there are several companies competing with each other in producing and distributing baby milk. Prices are increasing even though there is a sufficient supply of products in the local market, he said, urging the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to intensify monitoring of the market and take stringent punitive action against those engaged in price fixing.
Commenting on the issue, Assam Baghafar, member of the committee for pharmacies at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “As owners of pharmacies, we receive delivery of the product from agents and distribute it in the local market for a marginal profit.” He added that they have no control over the prices.
Nasser Al-Tuwaim, chairman of the Saudi Consumer Protection Association (CPA), said the organization has no power to regulate the prices of baby milk.
“The CPA focuses on protecting consumers by ensuring the quality of products and services. Our role is limited to that of awareness, and as such we have no role in controlling prices and taking penal action against violators of regulations,” he added.