The Ministry of Business and Trade has said it will intensify its efforts and tighten control over companies, suppliers and business owners in the State of Qatar to combat unjustifiable increases in the prices of goods and services and will lodge criminal cases and take deterrent measures as required by the provisions of laws, regulations and ministerial decrees related to consumer protection and the fight against commercial fraud, the protection of competition and the prevention of monopolistic practices. Emanating from its keenness to preserve the public interest and in line with the Emiri decision on the increase of salaries, the Ministry\'\'s Consumer Protection Department said it will cooperate with the authorities concerned in the state to prevent price rises. HE the Minister of Business and Trade Sheikh Jassim bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, in a press release issued by the Ministry on the occasion of the issuance of the Emiri decision that increased basic salaries, social allowances and pensions for employees and retirees of Qatari civilians and military personnel, instructed those in charge in the Ministry to protect the income of individuals and the general public by enhancing awareness and responsibility among traders and business owners and the consumers as well. He stressed the importance of ensuring that service consumption grows in a balanced manner with the growth of savings and investment capacity of the members of the Qatari society. The statement said that those who want to complain to the Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry can use any of the following contacts: Toll-free number: 8005000 Hot line: 44945500/44945550 Ministry Tel: 44945555 SMS: 92665 (text - word \'\'consumer\'\') E-mail: cpd mbt.gov.qa www.mbt.gov.qa