The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) fined two business establishments a total of 26,000 Taka for selling cylinder gas above the fixed government price and for various operational irregularities in Zanjira, Shariatpur.
The fines were imposed during a drive conducted on Tuesday afternoon (October 6) around the TNT More and Kajirhat Market areas of the upazila.
Led by Jannatul Ferdous, Assistant Director of the Shariatpur District Office of DNCRP, the team inspected various gas cylinder retail points, an ice cream factory, and a mustard oil mill.
During the operation, 'Mayer Doa Enterprise' was fined 25,000 Taka for failing to maintain cash memos and price lists for cylinder gas sales, as well as keeping expired fire extinguishers. 'M/S Russel Enterprise' was fined 1,000 Taka for minor irregularities. No action was taken against other establishments that were found operating according to regulation.
During the drive, gas dealers and retailers voiced their business challenges to the officials. Merchants alleged that while suppliers state lower cylinder prices on official invoices, they collect extra money under the guise of transportation and other costs. As a result, retailers claim they are forced to purchase gas at prices higher than the rate set for their profit margins.
Officials involved in the drive noted that under current rules, a 12 kg gas cylinder purchased at 1,742 Taka should be sold at a maximum of 1,792 Taka. However, allegations indicate that wholesale suppliers are selling these same cylinders for nearly 1,950 Taka. Subsequently, at the retail level, prices range from 2,100 Taka to 2,400 Taka.
Addressing the business owners' concerns, Assistant Director Jannatul Ferdous stated that a high-level meeting with gas dealers and stakeholders will be held at the Deputy Commissioner's office at an appointed time. She advised merchants to formally raise their issues there, including whether a syndicate or deliberate malpractices are driving up gas prices.
She added that such drives will continue in order to safeguard consumer rights and maintain market discipline.
District Safe Food Officer Md. Bashir Ahmed and a team from Zanjira Police Station provided support during the operation.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Shariatpur Representative • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
