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Rupandehi authorities have intensified joint monitoring of gas suppliers in Butwal, Tilottama, and Sainamaina municipalities after rising consumer complaints.

Since Sunday, over two dozen vendors have been inspected by teams including municipal officials, trade associations, consumer protection groups, and security personnel.

The inspections found several dealers along the East-West Highway hoarding cylinders to earn extra profit. Nearly 600 hidden cylinders were recovered from 15 out of 17 inspected vendors, says Pradeep Prasad Panth, President of Rupandehi Gas Dealers’ Association.

Some dealers were overcharging customers. In one case, Langhali Gas Suppliers in Ranibagi, Murgiya, sold half-cylinder gas at Rs 1,000 instead of the official Rs 955, charging an extra Rs 300 per cylinder. Refunds have been issued to affected consumers.

Authorities have pledged to continue strict monitoring to ensure fair distribution and prevent hoarding.