Prompt action against LPG hoarders

KATHMANDU, JAN 22 -

The Department of Commerce and Supplies Management (DoCSM) has started taking prompt action against those found involved in black-marketing of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The department said it would hand over the wrongdoers directly to the Hanumandhoka Metropolitan Police Range (HMPR).

“As the people are seeking quick relief from LPG shortage, we have started prompt action against the wrongdoers, besides intensifying market inspection,” said DoCSM Director Hari Narayan Belbase. He said the department has started coordinating with the Hanumandhoka Police in this regard.

The department on Monday handed over proprietor of Pragam Store, an LPG seller based in Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu , to the Hanumandhoka Police. “Based on complaints, the store was found hoarding 27 cylinders when we cross-checked,” Belbase said.

The department also sought clarification from the proprietor of Rabindra Pasal within a week after the shop was found keeping a large number of filled cylinders in stock. “The shop had been found keeping 500 LPG cylinders in stock,” said Belbase.

General people across the country have been reeling under LPG shortage for over a month.

The shortage first surfaced following supply problems due to the maintenance of Indian Oil Corporation’s refinery plant in Barauni, India.

Although Nepal Oil Corporation has been claiming that it has increased LPG supplies in recent days, people are finding it difficult to get LPG cylinders.

Belbase said the department was holding the inspection during odd hours too. “The Hanumandhoka Police has assured us that they would deploy the police personnel at any time,” he said.

Source: The Kathmandu Post