Shreeram Gas fined NRs 300,000 for hoarding LPG in Lalitpur

The federal Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has fined Shreeram Gas Industry Pvt. Ltd. NRs 300,000 for hoarding cooking gas cylinders, in violation of consumer protection laws.

During a market inspection on Monday, the department found 6,377 gas cylinders, each filled with 14.2 kg of LPG, stockpiled at the company’s warehouse in Lalitpur’s Harisiddhi.

According to the department, the cylinders were being held in a manner that could create an artificial shortage in the market. Officials said the act violates Section 16(2)(g) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, which prohibits creating artificial scarcity, hoarding, or manipulating the sale of essential goods.

Recommended

How Nepal’s consumer protection really works

The department imposed the fine and directed the company to immediately arrange for the sale and distribution of the stored cylinders in coordination with the Nepal Oil Corporation under Section 39(1)(b) of the Act.

The department has also urged all gas bottling industries and distributors to ensure smooth supply and refrain from practices that could disrupt the market, especially at a time of high demand.

Officials said the recent policy to promote the distribution of 7.1 kg LPG cylinders has begun easing supply pressures and expressed confidence that the market will stabilise in the coming days.

Reiterating its commitment to maintaining fair competition and curbing illegal trade practices, the department warned of strict action against those found engaging in market manipulation.

Consumers have been asked to report any such activities through the department’s toll-free number, 1137.