Report illegal LPG gas trade, department urges public

KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has urged the public to report any information about illegal trading of cooking gas.

The department said complaints have increased about the illegal sale of LPG, with traders citing shortages in the international market.

The department has requested consumers to immediately inform authorities by calling the toll-free number 1137 if they receive any information about black-marketing, hoarding, or overpricing of cooking gas.

In recent days, complaints have emerged that LPG is being stockpiled, sold at higher prices, and distributed irregularly.

Although the Nepal Oil Corporation arranged a system allowing the sale of only half cylinders to manage supply, shortages of cooking gas continue in the market.

Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in unfair trade practices.

The department said the hotline service is operational nationwide and can be contacted free of charge from anywhere in the country.

Officials have also been conducting field inspections across the country. Any violations found during monitoring are being punished under the Consumer Protection Act 2075 (Nepal).

The department said it is actively working to ease supply during the current high demand for LPG and to control artificial shortages and other illegal activities.

Gas producers and distributors have been warned to conduct their business in accordance with the law.

On Monday, the department fined Shriram Gas Industry Rs 300,000 after 6,377 LPG cylinders (14.2 kg each) were found hidden at its warehouse in Harisiddhi.