The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has conducted a special nationwide drive to ensure the sale of gas cylinders at government-fixed prices.
A total of 39 establishments in 16 districts, including the Dhaka city area, were fined Tk426,500 for various irregularities during the operation on Saturday.
Twenty-three teams from the directorate simultaneously raided gas cylinder sales outlets at the dealer, wholesale and retail levels.
According to the directorate, the market monitoring drive was carried out to keep the prices of essential commodities stable, ensure a regular supply of gas cylinders and prevent traders from charging above government-fixed rates.
During the drive, officials checked whether business establishments displayed price lists, preserved and provided purchase and sales vouchers, complied with cylinder safety regulations, and sold expired cylinders.
Additionally, traders were instructed not to create artificial shortages, hoard goods unreasonably or disrupt the supply chain. They were also warned to display updated price lists in prominent locations and sell cylinders strictly at government-set prices.
The directorate advised consumers to inspect the weight, seal, expiry date and any visible defects of gas cylinders before purchase. Consumers were also urged to verify price lists and collect receipts or vouchers at the time of purchase.
If any irregularity is noticed during the sale of gas cylinders, consumers can lodge complaints through the directorate’s hotline at 16121.
The directorate said such monitoring drives would continue to maintain market discipline and ensure fair pricing.
