Kuwait City: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has introduced stricter regulations governing the distribution of subsidised food items under the country’s ration card system.
The changes come under Ministerial Resolution No. 154 of 2026, issued by Minister Osama Boodai, which establishes new eligibility criteria for receiving subsidised food products.
Under the revised rules, only Kuwaiti citizens, their family members and domestic workers registered under their households will be entitled to receive food items at subsidised prices. The ministry said the amendment revises Clause One of Article 5 of Ministerial Resolution No. 216 of 2014.
Authorities also confirmed that previous provisions allowing subsidy benefits for categories not covered under the new regulations have been revoked.
The ministry warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found misusing ration cards. Individuals who sell or transfer subsidised food items obtained through the ration card system to others will have their benefits suspended, and their cases will be referred to the relevant authorities for legal action.
The new regulations came into effect on July 27 and will be published in the Official Gazette. Government departments have been instructed to implement the updated rules, while all previous provisions that conflict with the new resolution have been cancelled.
