Govt vows action over overpriced LPG

The government will take stringent action against anyone selling liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) above the officially fixed price, Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has warned, urging the public to report such irregularities through the media in the public interest.

Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Zahed acknowledged that global fuel prices remain highly volatile, although the government is endeavouring to adjust domestic LPG rates accordingly. He disclosed that complaints had surfaced of the fuel not being sold at the prescribed price in certain areas; consequently, all deputy commissioners have been instructed to guarantee adequate supply and sales of LPG and autogas at the fixed rates. Meanwhile, the National Directorate of Consumer Rights Protection and local administrations are conducting mobile-court drives across several districts, and a number of traders have already been fined for malpractice.

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Furthermore, the government is engaged in talks with LPG businesses to stabilise the market, with the energy minister having met industry leaders on several occasions to assess the situation. According to Zahed, traders have pledged their cooperation in sustaining a steady supply and a stable market. He added that the government anticipates that continued monitoring, enforcement and consultation will gradually alleviate the current disruption in the LPG sector.