Council Discusses Urgent Statement on Inflation Control Measures
Reviews Draft Law on Alternative Penalties and Alternative Criminal Measures
The Shura Council held today, Tuesday, 9 June 2026, its Twenty-First Regular Session of the Third Annual Sitting (2025–2026) of the Tenth Term (2023–2027), under the chairmanship of H.E. Khalid Al Maawali, Chairman of the Shura Council, and in the presence of Their Excellencies Council Members and H.E. Ahmed Al Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Council. During the session, the Council discussed a number of legislative, oversight, and developmental matters included on its agenda, in addition to hearing an urgent statement on the importance of activating the necessary government measures and programmes to address rising prices of certain goods and services. 
Chairman’s Address
At the outset of the session, H.E. Khalid Al Maawali affirmed that the Council continues to fulfil its national role by contributing to the advancement of comprehensive development through the examination of legislation and discussion of issues of public concern, thereby supporting national efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development and enhancing various sectors. He also commended the active participation of Council members in the Council’s work and committee activities, reflecting their national responsibility in serving the nation and its citizens. 
He further noted that the session agenda included a number of important legislative, oversight, and developmental topics, including briefing members on draft laws and agreements referred by the Government, discussing the proposed Draft Law on Alternative Penalties and Alternative Criminal Measures, and considering several expressed desires submitted to the Council. 
Urgent Statement on Inflation and Rising Prices
At the beginning of the session, the Council listened to an urgent statement delivered by Abdullah Al Balushi, Member of the Shura Council representing Sohar, concerning the activation of government measures and programmes necessary to address increases in the prices of certain goods and services. The statement highlighted the economic and social implications of rising prices affecting a number of essential commodities and services relied upon by citizens in their daily lives. 
The statement referred to official indicators and statistics issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information, which showed continued inflationary pressures on several key 


consumer groups. It further noted increases in the prices of vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and transport-related services, underscoring their direct impact on household expenditure. 
The statement called for strengthening market oversight, monitoring price increases and their justifications, combating monopolistic practices, ensuring fair competition, diversifying import sources, and reinforcing national food security through support for local production and strategic reserves of essential commodities. 
Briefing on Draft Laws and Agreements
The session also included a briefing on several draft laws and agreements referred by the Government to the Council as part of the legislative procedures stipulated under the Oman Council Law. 
Among these were the Environmental Law Project and a draft agreement between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax evasion and avoidance. 
Discussion of the Proposed Draft Law on Alternative Penalties and Alternative Criminal Measures
The Council discussed a legislative proposal submitted by the Legislative and Legal Committee concerning the Draft Law on Alternative Penalties and Alternative Criminal Measures, pursuant to Article (48) of the Oman Council Law. 
The proposal aims to reduce the social, economic, and psychological consequences of custodial sentences, promote rehabilitation and reintegration programmes, strengthen restorative justice principles, and enhance the efficiency of the criminal justice system while optimising expenditure associated with custodial sanctions. 
Approval of Expressed Desire on Expanding Public–Private Partnerships in Education
The Council approved the expressed desire concerning the expansion of public–private partnerships in early childhood education and in services for academically outstanding students, gifted students, and persons with disabilities. The discussions highlighted the importance of investing in early childhood education and enhancing specialised programmes for gifted students and persons with disabilities. 



Approval of Expressed Desire on Evaluating the Status of Local Industries
The Council also approved the report of the Economic and Financial Committee concerning the expressed desire on evaluating the current status of local industries in the Sultanate of Oman. Members stressed the importance of supporting industrial competitiveness, strengthening local content, encouraging innovation, and attracting quality investments to enhance the contribution of the industrial sector to economic diversification. 
Approval of Expressed Desire on Enhancing Electricity and Water Services
The Council further approved the report of the Public Services and Utilities Committee regarding the expressed desire on enhancing the efficiency of electricity and water services in the Sultanate of Oman. The discussions addressed service quality, infrastructure development, operational challenges, water resource management, and the sustainability of both sectors. Members underscored the importance of strengthening coordination among relevant entities and continuing strategic projects aimed at ensuring reliable and high-quality services.