Nepal Government Warns Gas Dealers Against Hoarding and Overpricing

The government of Nepal has warned gas dealers against hoarding and overpricing liquefied petroleum (LP) gas, following complaints from consumers about shortages and inflated prices.

The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection said in a statement that it would take strict action against gas dealers and distributors found to be hoarding gas, creating artificial shortages, or selling gas at prices higher than the officially fixed rate.

According to the department, complaints have been increasing about gas dealers selling gas only to their acquaintances, hotels, and businesses, and at prices higher than the official rate.

The department said it has been monitoring the market regularly and has found evidence of such malpractices. ‘Consumers have the right to buy essential commodities like LP gas at the fixed price,’ the statement said. ‘Hoarding, creating artificial shortages, and selling gas at higher prices are against the law, and action will be taken against those found guilty.’

The department has appealed to consumers to report any instances of such malpractices to the nearest police station, district administration office, or the department’s toll-free number 1137.

Meanwhile, the department acknowledged that the recent distribution of 7.1 kg gas cylinders instead of 14.2 kg cylinders had caused some inconvenience in the distribution system.