Egypt consumer agency warns hoarding strategic goods is a crime with tougher penalties

Egypt's Consumer Protection Agency has warned that withholding strategic goods from the market is a punishable crime under tightened legislation.

• Agency spokesperson Islam El-Gazzar said concealing strategic goods carries imprisonment and fines of up to 3 million pounds.
• Under Law 20 of 2024, first-time offenses draw at least one year in prison and fines of 150,000 to 3 million pounds, with repeat offenders facing two to five years.
• The law also provides for confiscating goods, closing the premises for up to six months, and revoking licenses.
• Agency head Ibrahim El-Sajini ordered intensified market inspections and said hoarding will not pass without accountability.