The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) has fined 107 business establishments Tk11.35 lakh for various irregularities during nationwide drives conducted in 37 districts to keep prices of essential commodities stable and ensure the sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders at government-fixed rates.
A total of 56 teams of the directorate yesterday (3 November) conducted the special drives simultaneously at wholesale and retail markets across the country, including Dhaka city, reads a press release.
The drives aimed to maintain price stability of essential commodities, including fruits, beef and poultry, ensure normal supply of goods and prevent overcharging for gas cylinders beyond government-fixed prices, said the directorate.
During the drives, the teams inspected whether businesses displayed updated price lists, preserved and provided purchase and sales receipts, maintained accurate weights and measures, and refrained from selling expired products and medicines.
They also monitored LPG cylinder stocks, checked compliance with safety regulations and verified whether expired cylinders were being sold.
The teams also instructed traders not to create artificial shortages, engage in unreasonable stockpiling or disrupt the normal supply of essential commodities.
Business owners were advised to display updated price lists at visible places, ensure accurate weights and measurements and sell LPG cylinders at government-fixed prices.
To raise public awareness, the teams distributed leaflets and pamphlets among consumers and traders and provided necessary instructions.
Representatives of relevant government departments, law enforcement agencies, health inspectors, the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) and concerned industry and trade associations assisted the market monitoring activities.
The directorate advised consumers against purchasing commodities beyond their actual needs, warning that excessive buying could create artificial shortages.
It also urged consumers to check price lists, maximum retail prices (MRPs), manufacturing and expiry dates before purchasing products, ensure accurate weights and measurements, and collect purchase receipts from sellers.
Consumers facing irregularities or fraud in purchasing goods have been requested to lodge complaints through the DNCRP hotline 16121.
The directorate said such monitoring drives would continue to ensure market discipline, fair prices, normal supply of commodities and safe and hygienic food across the country
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