When inquired from the Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena regarding the lack of gas at the specified capacity of a domestic gas cylinder in the market, the Minister has stated that he does not reduce the weight of gas nor set the price.
The supply of gas, an essential commodity in the country, is provided by two public and private sector companies. In recent days, the companies have been trying to get permission to increase the price of a gas cylinder and had created an artificial shortage in the market. However, the request of the companies was rejected. Now, it is reported that the companies have taken steps to change the capacity of a domestic gas cylinder.
Commenting further Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardena said, “The Consumer Affairs Authority has the authority to determine the price of gas. If the price of gas has been increased, the Minister of Consumer Affairs will reply. This is not something that has been done in secret. Gas is something that the people of this country have. That will be explained by the relevant companies. Let me know if there is any theft, corruption or fraud. I will take action then,” he said when asked about the problem between the weight and the price of the gas cylinder.
At present the maximum retail price of a 12.5 kg gas cylinder in the Western Province is Rs. 1493 / = and accordingly the price of a kilo of gas is Rs. 119.44.
According to the latest methodology by Litro, the price of an 18-litre gas cylinder is Rs. 1395 / =. (9.18 kg) Accordingly, the price of a kilo of gas is 151.96.
Accordingly, the consumer is subtly deceived into paying Rs. 32 per kilo of gas and the amount extorted from the consumer from a gas cylinder is Rs. 406.50.
