Kathmandu, March 16
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Lekh Raj Bhatta, has warned of deploying army and police against the traders who would obstruct smooth cooking gas distribution in the market.
The minister’s statement comes at a time when the consumers have begun to feel the cooking gas shortage in the wake of border restrictions triggered by coronavirus fears.
Stating that the government itself had decided the profit margin for the traders, Bhatt said that the government would intervene in the market in the case of noncooperation from them during the crisis.
“I urge you to exchange any empty gas cylinder of the consumers with the filled one immediately. Do not look at the profit and support the state. Otherwise, the state will interfere,” said Bhatta.
He warned that the government could cancel the licence of gas bottling plants, dealers or sub-dealers if they were found to be involved in obstructing the smooth supply.
