Crackdown planned against oxygen hoarders

Some distributors are believed to have created an artificial shortage

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi district administration has decided to take action against all such elements who are involved in creating an artificial shortage of oxygen cylinders in the city from Saturday (today).

Sources in the district administration said that the health department teams have directed over 1,000 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) patients to observe self-isolation at their homes.

With some of these patients experiencing moderate symptoms and requiring supplemental oxygen, several companies and distributors of oxygen cylinders and refillers are minting millions of rupees by creating an artificial shortage of oxygen.

Sources said that apathetic businessmen are taking advantage of sick people who require oxygen to support their compromised respiratory system.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anwarul Haq had taken strict notice of the situation and had directed the police and district officials to launch stringent action against profiteers, including registering cases against those involved.

Meanwhile, a market survey has revealed that oxygen cylinders with a capacity of nine kilogrammes (kg) and 45 kg are available in abundance in the market and that there is no scarcity.

Sources noted that before the pandemic, the cost of refilling a nine-kilogramme cylinder was just Rs200. However, this has escalated by 750% and a cylinder is now being refilled for Rs1,500. This is causing financial difficulties for infected patients who are isolating at their homes.

Sources confirmed that action against the profiteers will start from Saturday (today).

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2020.