5KG AND 2.3 KG REDUCED

PRICE OF GAS

The price of a 5kg domestic cylinder of gas had been reduced by Rs.55 while the price of a 2.3kg cylinder of gas has been reduced by Rs.25 from June 29, the Industry and Commerce Ministry announced yesterday.

The price of the 12.5kg cylinder of gas was reduced by Rs.138 and now costs Rs.1,538.

A Commerce Ministry official said the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) was instructed to raid errant retailers who violated the new price structure.

“The Government is making an effort to lower the cost of living. We except the retailers to pass the savings to consumers immediately. The CAA will not spare any violators. Consumers can contact CAA hotlines to inform about any price discrepancies. Those violating the regulations could be fined or imprisoned under Section 60 of Act No 9 of 2003. If the violator is an individual, then the fine is between Rs. 5,000 and Rs.50,000 or one year’s imprisonment for the first offence and for any subsequent offence by the same person a fine of Rs.10,000 to Rs.100,000 will be imposed or a maximum of two years imprisonment or both. If the violator is a company then in the first instance a fine of Rs 50,000 to Rs.1,000,000 or a maximum of two years imprisonment imposed and for any subsequent offence a fine of Rs.100,000 to 2,000,000 will be imposed,” the official said. Consumer complaint hotlines: 0117755481-3 and 1977.