LPG dealers fleecing people as sales soar
People say vendors charging Rs80 above the official rates
Distributor alleges gas is being hoarded to make quick buck. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
Residents of of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Monday expressed their concern and resentment over self-imposed exorbitant rates of LPG cylinders by retailers at various markets in peak days of cold weather.
According to them, the LPG cylinder dealers in different localities have been charging Rs180 to Rs200 for one kilogramme gas against the original official rates of Rs112 per kg.
Muhammad Danish, a resident of Khanna Pul said that taking advantage of low gas pressure at homes the retailers were charging customers unfairly in different areas of twin cities while fleecing people.
He said "Due to low gas pressure we have no other option but to purchase LPG gas to cook food for our families."
He said the authorities concerned should take strict action against those exploiting the situation and minting unfair money." Wasim Khawar another resident of Saidpur road said that LPG dealers have been looting the public by selling LPG cylinder on high rates, against the fixed rates.
He said that every seller of LPG cylinder has fixed his own prices while on the other hand citizens were bound to use these cylinders due to absence of natural gas at residents.
When contacted, LPG dealer at Saidpur Road , Muhammad Naeem said that there were some dealers, who were overcharging while taking advantage of the situation. "However we are selling LPG on official rates," he claimed.
He said that strict action should be taken against violators for exorbitant rates.When contacted, an official of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Distributors Association said, "We have requested the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to conduct raids against those LPG shops where cylinders are being sold at high rates.
He said that a letter has also been written to OGRA and the provincial government authorities, including secretary industries for conducting raids on LPG shops charging more prices then the government's fixed rates.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2019.
Residents of of twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Monday expressed their concern and resentment over self-imposed exorbitant rates of LPG cylinders by retailers at various markets in peak days of cold weather.
According to them, the LPG cylinder dealers in different localities have been charging Rs180 to Rs200 for one kilogramme gas against the original official rates of Rs112 per kg.
Muhammad Danish, a resident of Khanna Pul said that taking advantage of low gas pressure at homes the retailers were charging customers unfairly in different areas of twin cities while fleecing people.
He said "Due to low gas pressure we have no other option but to purchase LPG gas to cook food for our families."
He said the authorities concerned should take strict action against those exploiting the situation and minting unfair money." Wasim Khawar another resident of Saidpur road said that LPG dealers have been looting the public by selling LPG cylinder on high rates, against the fixed rates.
He said that every seller of LPG cylinder has fixed his own prices while on the other hand citizens were bound to use these cylinders due to absence of natural gas at residents.
‘Country has sufficient LPG stock’
When contacted, LPG dealer at Saidpur Road , Muhammad Naeem said that there were some dealers, who were overcharging while taking advantage of the situation. "However we are selling LPG on official rates," he claimed.
He said that strict action should be taken against violators for exorbitant rates.When contacted, an official of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Distributors Association said, "We have requested the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to conduct raids against those LPG shops where cylinders are being sold at high rates.
He said that a letter has also been written to OGRA and the provincial government authorities, including secretary industries for conducting raids on LPG shops charging more prices then the government's fixed rates.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2019.