We cannot say that the oil is substandard only in the distribution process. All parts may have some weakness. In recent days, labs have been installed to measure the quality of oil.
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We are very cautious about how to regulate the supply of oil. During Dasain-Tihar, most of the oil is in short supply, at which time facilitating the supply is challenging. We have collected samples about oil quality and sent them to food technology. Any oil sample collected shall be tested by commerce.
If the general public suspects any oil, the department helps for testing. We are also interested in the issue of oil quality. We also look at pricing. We ask for the price every month from the Oil Producers Association. In the past, the price of oil had risen to 2600 rupees. It came down to 1800 rupees. Now it has increased again to 2300 rupees.
Section 21 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 allows any manufacturer to set the retail price. Setting the maximum price can save raw materials, administrative expenses, revenue and a small profit. On this basis, the department is looking into how to facilitate supply and pricing.
We can't say that the oil is of poor quality only in the distribution process. All parts may have some weakness. In recent days, labs have been installed to measure the quality of oil. Apart from government, there are 8 private labs. There was no need to go to food for testing. Other labs recognized by the government have also opened. There can also be tests. As soon as the quality is tested by the regulatory body, the businessmen become aware. Consumers have also become somewhat aware. Because they are aware, they have questioned the quality. But there is still dissatisfaction with the work done by the department.
In countries that have gone to federalism, monitoring by the union at all levels is not possible. We have three tiers of government. In this sense, the Local Government Operation Act, 2074 has given the right to monitor the local government under the coordination of the deputy mayor or vice president. Based on that, they can also monitor. But the Vice President is not in a position to take action against the small grocers there. Politically as well. That is why the department has delegated market monitoring authority to every local level administrative officer.
(Edited part of Poudel's opinion at the 'round table' organized by Kantipur Dainik last Monday.)
