Overcharging for LPG on shortage scare
LAHAN, Sept 25:
Black marketeering of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is rampant in Lahan with dealers forcing consumers to pay more than the rate set by Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), citing shortage of LPG in the market. NOC rate for LPG is Rs 1,305 per cylinder (of 14.2 kg) but the consumers have been complaining that they are paying as much as Rs 1,600 for an LPG cylinder.
An LPG consumer said he had to pay Rs 1,450 per cylinder after the authorized distributor of Subidha Gas refused to give him the LPG at the actual price.
Consumers complained that all LPG dealers are giving delivery to those consumers who are willing to pay more than the actual price. They said the dealers are spreading rumors about short supply of LPG for black marketing.
Lahan has gas dealers of Koshi, Subidha, NL, Mechi, Super and others. According to sub-dealers, the dealers are visiting them on a weekly basis but not giving delivery as per the requirement.
One of the sub-dealers said that the dealers used to give 15 cylinders about a month ago but now they give just five cylinders and charge Rs 1,400 for each from us. "How can we sell the LPG cylinder in less than Rs 1,450 when we are paying Rs 1,400," he asked.
President of National Consumer Forum Siraha Ramananda Prasad Gupta said the problem is not in the whole district and the problem in Lahan is due to the dealers. "There is a tendency among dealers to charge more by sounding the alarm of scarcity," Gupta told Republica.
However, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Siraha Kishor Kumar Chowdhary, denied of having any information about LPG´s blackmarketeering. CDO Kumar said, "If any one is found involved in such activity, we will take action and ensure sufficient supply."
Source: Republica
Black marketeering of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is rampant in Lahan with dealers forcing consumers to pay more than the rate set by Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), citing shortage of LPG in the market. NOC rate for LPG is Rs 1,305 per cylinder (of 14.2 kg) but the consumers have been complaining that they are paying as much as Rs 1,600 for an LPG cylinder.
An LPG consumer said he had to pay Rs 1,450 per cylinder after the authorized distributor of Subidha Gas refused to give him the LPG at the actual price.
Consumers complained that all LPG dealers are giving delivery to those consumers who are willing to pay more than the actual price. They said the dealers are spreading rumors about short supply of LPG for black marketing.
Lahan has gas dealers of Koshi, Subidha, NL, Mechi, Super and others. According to sub-dealers, the dealers are visiting them on a weekly basis but not giving delivery as per the requirement.
One of the sub-dealers said that the dealers used to give 15 cylinders about a month ago but now they give just five cylinders and charge Rs 1,400 for each from us. "How can we sell the LPG cylinder in less than Rs 1,450 when we are paying Rs 1,400," he asked.
President of National Consumer Forum Siraha Ramananda Prasad Gupta said the problem is not in the whole district and the problem in Lahan is due to the dealers. "There is a tendency among dealers to charge more by sounding the alarm of scarcity," Gupta told Republica.
However, Chief District Officer (CDO) of Siraha Kishor Kumar Chowdhary, denied of having any information about LPG´s blackmarketeering. CDO Kumar said, "If any one is found involved in such activity, we will take action and ensure sufficient supply."
Source: Republica
