The Consumer and Competition Affairs Authority in collaboration with the Regional Office of Industry, Commerce, and Employment has fined several LPG retail outlets and home delivery agents in Thimphu for supplying and distributing underweight LPG cylinders. Following a tip-off, the agencies conducted random inspections and found that these businesses were selling underweight cylinders. Two retail outlets and two delivery agents paid a combined fine of over Nu 32,000.
During the inspection from the 21st of January to the 3rd of February, officials checked over 300 domestic LPG cylinders.
Out of these, 39 LPG cylinders were found to be underweight by approximately 2 to 3 Kilogrammes from the actual weight printed on the cylinders.
The standard gross weight of domestic LPG cylinders is 29 to 30 kilogrammes.
Moreover, officials said home delivery agents failed to issue receipts, did not have calibrated weighing machines and did not store cylinders properly.
Thimphu has four LPG retail outlets, 22 registered home delivery agents, and one commercial/industrial cylinder distributor.
Officials are urging consumers to weigh the gas cylinders and crosscheck with the printed weight at the time of purchase.
They also said purchase receipts or cash memos from retailers or home delivery agents should be asked.
Pema Choden, a resident said “When we take the LPG cylinder from the outlet, it is not weighed. However, we can see the printed weight on the cylinder. We take whichever is given to us, but, we get the cash memo upon doing the payment.”
Kinzang Namgay, another resident said “It is my third time coming here to get LPG cylinder. Within this period, I have noticed that I can weigh the cylinders if I want to. Cash receipts are also issued.”
The authorities plan to conduct similar inspections in other districts.
Kelzang Chhophyel
Edited by Tshering Zam
