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The Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) has urged citizens to report any information regarding illegal cooking gas (LPG) trade by calling the toll-free number 1137, following recent reports of black marketing and hoarding of gas amid shortages in the international market.

In recent days, the DoCSCP found cases where LPG was being sold at inflated prices or hidden from the market. Despite Nepal Oil Corporation arranging sales of half cylinders to ease supply, shortages persist.

The DoCSCP has warned that any discovery of unfair trade practices will result in strict action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2075. The toll-free number is active nationwide, allowing anyone to report suspicious activities from any location.

To prevent artificial shortages and illegal practices, the department has also been conducting field inspections across the country. Violations are dealt with immediately, and legal action is taken against offenders.

On Monday, the DoCSCP fined Shreeram Gas Industry Rs 300,000 after finding 6,377 cylinders totaling 14.2 kilograms hidden in its warehouse in Harisiddhi, Lalitpur.

The DoCSCP emphasized that all gas producers and distributors must operate within the law and avoid any illegal activities, especially during periods of high demand.