The Gas Dealers Federation of Nepal (GDFN) has called on the government to take strict legal action against gas dealers and industries that are creating an artificial shortage of cooking gas or charging consumers more than the government-set price.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the federation said it had taken serious notice of reports that some sellers were exploiting the current situation by overcharging consumers and intentionally creating scarcity in the market.
The GDFN acknowledged that public concern about a potential cooking gas shortage is understandable, especially in light of recent unrest in the Middle East that could affect future supplies.
However, the federation emphasized that taking advantage of such a sensitive situation to sell liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) at prices higher than those fixed by the government is a serious offense.
It also urged gas retailers across the country to avoid any illegal practices and to carry out their services responsibly.
At the same time, the federation requested the government to identify and take strict legal action against any gas dealers or industries found cheating consumers during this period. It has also directed district-level associations to inform sellers nationwide that anyone involved in such unlawful activities will face disciplinary measures.
