102 businesses fined Tk10.31 lakh in nationwide essential goods, LPG market drives

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has fined 102 businesses a total of Tk10.31 lakh during nationwide drives targeting irregularities in the markets for essential commodities and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The inspections were conducted in Dhaka and 29 other districts today (4 October) by 44 teams, according to the directorate.

The teams inspected wholesale and retail businesses to check whether traders were displaying price lists, maintaining and providing purchase and sales invoices, using accurate weights and selling LPG cylinders at government-set prices.

The directorate said the drives aimed to maintain normal supplies of essential goods, prevent unjustified price increases and stop traders from charging excessive prices for LPG cylinders.

In Savar, two LPG dealer points in Amtala and Kuturia Bazar were found involved in irregularities, according to the directorate.

Haji Abdur Rahman Enterprise was fined Tk10,000 and Iqbal Enterprise Tk2 lakh during a drive led by an assistant director of the directorate’s Dhaka district office.

The businesses were fined for failing to properly maintain purchase and sales invoices, selling LPG cylinders above the prices displayed on their price lists and allegedly manipulating cylinder weights by transferring gas through special pipes.

The inspection teams seized special pipes allegedly used for the manipulation, along with seals and stickers belonging to different businesses.

During the drives, traders were instructed not to create artificial shortages, hoard goods unreasonably or obstruct supplies. They were also told to display updated price lists prominently and ensure accurate weights and measurements.

Fruit traders were instructed to sell produce at fair and reasonable prices and not mix rotten or spoiled fruit with fresh produce. They were also warned against using harmful chemicals or unauthorised substances on fruit.

The directorate advised consumers to check price lists before buying goods, verify weights and, where applicable, check maximum retail prices, production dates and expiry dates.

Consumers buying LPG cylinders were advised to check the weight, seal and any visible defects and collect receipts or invoices.

The directorate urged consumers to report irregularities or fraud through its hotline 16121 and said such market monitoring drives would continue to ensure discipline, fair prices and normal supplies.