Pokhara Gas Dealer Fined NPR 50,000 for Hoarding and Illegally Transferring LPG Cylinders

Pokhara. A gas dealer in Pokhara has been fined for hoarding gas. The dealer was fined NPR 50,000 for creating an artificial shortage by hiding LPG gas and for transferring gas from cylinders.

Assistant Chief District Officer Shiva Lamsal informed that Bhandari Traders, located in Pokhara-6 Jarebar, was penalized after irregularities were found during an inspection conducted by the District Administration Office and other bodies.

During the inspection, Bhandari Traders was found to have hidden 48 units of 14.2 kg gas cylinders. Lamsal stated that the dealer was caught red-handed with three pieces of equipment while transferring gas from one cylinder to another. The administration has directed Bhandari Traders to sell and distribute the discovered 48 units of 14.2 kg and 38 units of 7.1 kg gas cylinders to consumers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lamsal mentioned that the dealer was warned against any activities contrary to consumer interests in the future, such as altering gas quantities, creating artificial shortages, or unnecessary stockpiling.

The joint team, comprising representatives from the District Administration Office, District Police Office, Nepal Oil Corporation, local representatives, journalists, and the Consumer Forum, conducted surprise inspections at five different gas dealers in Pokhara. The administration stated that gas stock and improper storage were not found at three of the gas dealers.

Furthermore, the inspection team found another dealer unloading 324 units of 7.1 kg gas cylinders from a vehicle. The Kaski administration has announced that it is intensifying inspections to prevent artificial gas shortages and curb black marketing in the market.