For some time now, there have been complaints that consumers are unable to easily obtain gas and cooking oil when they try to buy more, and that prices are high.
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After a shortage of cooking gas and cooking oil was observed in the market for a month, the District Administration Office has started a search campaign in the warehouses of traders.
Administrative Officer Narayan Karki said that this work was done to increase prices by showing artificial shortages and reduce the impact on consumers.
1,500 cartons of cooking oil are consumed monthly in Baglung. For some time, there have been complaints that consumers are not getting enough of it and are being charged higher prices due to rumors of gas and cooking oil shortages. He said that the shortage occurred when some people bought more than they needed.
The administration is preparing to find out the real details by monitoring gas and cooking oil. ‘We are searching. There is no shortage, it has been found that too much was bought and stocked,’ he said, ‘This time, it was also found that prices increased.’ Karki said that action will be taken if the prices are found to be abnormal.
He said that when up to 10 cylinders were found in some houses, they were confiscated and distributed to those in need. Shailendra Kumar Shrestha, chairman of the Consumer Forum Baglung, said that in case of shortage of essential items, the forum has been leading the distribution. ‘Some stock items have been identified and kept, and they are being distributed to those who have not been able to light the stove,’ Shrestha said, ‘It is not a problem in imports, but unnecessary noise has caused a problem in the market.’ He said that although there is enough cooking oil in the market, there has been some fluctuation in the price.
The administration, local level and the forum have taken the lead in maintaining uniformity in the market price. Raju Gautam, a member of the Baglung Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that there is some difference in the price of goods arriving at different times.
‘There may be some price fluctuations, if it seems abnormal, the association will also recommend action,’ he said, ‘We are trying to work on a proportional distribution system and uniformity in prices to prevent shortages of food and daily necessities.’
The association also said that it has been working to make things easier for consumers by collecting data through thematic associations. Karki informed that the administration, local level, association and forum have been taking initiatives to maintain adequate stock of essential items by jointly monitoring the market for a week.
