Iraq has launched a sweeping campaign to stop price manipulation across the country. Since early July, authorities have arrested more than 1,200 people involved in unfair pricing practices. This major action highlights the government’s serious response to price gouging in Iraq.
Brigadier General Muqdad Miri, who leads the Ministry of Interior’s Relations and Media Department, confirmed the arrests. A total of 1,275 suspects were detained for manipulating the prices of food, goods, and essential services.
These arrests happened in many provinces, showing that the issue affects communities across Iraq. Officials say price gouging harms ordinary families and weakens trust in local markets.
While arrests are ongoing, the Ministry of Planning also reported encouraging news on inflation. Consumer prices in Iraq dropped in June. Food and housing costs led this decline, helping ease financial pressure on families.
According to ministry spokesperson Abdul Zahra al-Hindawi, monthly inflation fell by 1.2% compared to May. Annual inflation also dropped by 0.6% from June 2024.
Food and non-alcoholic drinks saw the biggest monthly decrease at 1.7%. Tobacco and housing prices each fell by 2.1%. However, clothing and footwear slightly increased by 0.1%.
Despite inflation improving, price gouging in Iraq remains a serious issue. Many sellers continue to raise prices unfairly during times of demand or supply disruptions. This leads to public frustration and growing complaints across cities.
The Ministry of Interior emphasized that arrests will continue. The goal is to ensure fair pricing and protect consumers, especially during economic hardship.
Authorities urge citizens to report suspicious pricing practices. Officials promise to respond quickly to stop manipulation and hold violators accountable.
Iraq’s recent moves show a clear shift toward tighter regulation and market control. By combining law enforcement with economic policy, the government hopes to create a more stable environment for both buyers and sellers.
The fight against price gouging in Iraq is now a national priority. With strong enforcement and continued oversight, officials aim to restore balance to the country’s marketplaces.