Markup and Margin Calculator (Oman)

Oman has no standing list of maximum prices or regulated margins in the Consumer Protection Law. The state can step in only temporarily. If a crisis, natural disaster or exceptional market condition causes an abnormal price rise, the Chairman of the Consumer Protection Authority, with the approval of the Council of Ministers, may take measures to halt, reduce or regulate prices for a stated period, which can be extended (Royal Decree 66/2014, Art. 9; Executive Regulations, Art. 7). Raising prices in an emergency or disaster is itself a prohibited practice (Regulations, Art. 19, item 11).

A seller must show the price in Arabic, clearly visible on the product, and may add another language (Law, Art. 19). Not putting prices on goods or services is a listed violation (Regulations, Art. 19, item 14). Fresh fish, fresh farm produce, gold and silver, handicrafts, building materials and a few other goods listed in Appendix 1 carry no printed details, but in a shop the price must still be on a tag or near the item. Hotels, restaurants and cafes must display a price list in a prominent place, with taxes included and Arabic as one of the languages (Regulations, Art. 24).

A seller may not charge more than the advertised price (Law, Arts. 14 and 28). Discounts and promotions need prior approval of the competent authority, after the Consumer Protection Authority checks the prices, and the seller must state the price before and during the sale (Law, Art. 31; Regulations, Art. 36). Breaching the advertised-price rule is punishable by three months to three years in prison and/or a fine of OMR 2,000 to 50,000 (Art. 40). Breaching the price display rule carries ten days to one year and/or OMR 100 to 2,000 (Art. 39), and breaching the discount rule a fine of OMR 100 to 5,000 (Art. 41). The Authority can also impose administrative fines of up to OMR 1,000, doubled on repeat and with up to OMR 100 a day for a continuing breach, capped at OMR 2,000 (Art. 46).