SIRAHA: Complaints of black marketing of cooking LPG gas have increased in Siraha, with some retailers allegedly exploiting the shortage to charge excessively high prices.
Consumers and business operators say they are being forced to pay more than double the government-fixed price for a gas cylinder.
According to Pintu Raut, owner of Maharaja Restaurant and Hotel in Lahan, shopkeepers have started charging exorbitant prices by taking advantage of the shortage.
“When I went to buy two cylinders, the shop asked for Rs 4,500 per cylinder,” Raut said. “The official price for two cylinders should be Rs 3,820, but they demanded Rs 9,000. I had to return empty-handed.”
Similarly, Pramod Yadav, who runs a tea and snack shop in Siraha Municipality-6, said the shortage and inflated prices have made it difficult to operate his business.
“We have to pay Rs 4,500 for a cylinder,” Yadav said. “How can we manage expenses after buying gas at such a high price? I’m worried that even cooking food may become difficult.”
The retail price of a cooking gas cylinder is officially fixed at Rs 1,910, but consumers claim it is being sold in the market at more than double the price.
Consumer rights activists have urged authorities to immediately monitor the market, warning that an artificial shortage may have been created to encourage black marketing.
Assistant Chief District Officer Chet Raj Baral said the District Administration Office in Siraha has warned that action will be taken against those involved in black marketing.
“Black marketing is illegal. If anyone is found guilty, legal action will be taken,” Baral said, adding that the administration will conduct market monitoring in coordination with the commerce office and other concerned bodies.
Local distributors of Nepal Oil Corporation said the shortage was caused by transportation and supply management issues, a three-day border closure due to elections, and increased hoarding of gas cylinders by consumers.
Comment