DOHA: The government is taking a closer look at the possibility of fixing maximum retail sale prices of brand new cars to prevent price manipulations by dealers.
It is likely the government might put caps on the profit margins dealers charge on cars with a view to controlling the prices of showroom-fresh cars.
Under study with the State Cabinet is a proposal to rein in automobile dealers and fix the maximum prices of showroom-fresh cars, reports Al Sharq.
For this purpose the manufacturers of different automobile brands are being contacted the world over and it is being found out as to how much a vehicle costs when it finally lands in Qatar.
Once the cost is known it is easier for the Ministry of Economy and Commerce to fix the profit margin on a particular vehicle for its dealer, the daily said.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce which boasts a consumer rights watchdog has been entrusted by the Cabinet to conduct the studies regarding the prices and profit margins.
The consumers are being affected due to high prices charged by automobile dealers. By fixing the profit margin, the ministry would make sure that brand new car prices come down in the local market, the daily said.
Cars are dearer in Qatar as compared to other GCC states and the government has long been urging the dealers to bring the rates on a par with those in the neighbouring countries.
Al Sharq said that it has reliably learnt that the Economy Ministry has begun contacting car manufacturers as part of a study to help fix the maximum retail prices of brand new cars for the benefit of the user.
This way not only the interest of the consumer would be taken care of but the right of the dealers will also be protected, according to the daily.
The Peninsula
