The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has launched special raids to take legal action against traders hoarding gas cylinders and selling them at inflated prices, creating an artificial shortage amid supply disruptions.
The raids follow complaints that some traders were refusing to sell gas to consumers despite having cylinders in stock.
During a raid in Kandy on November 2, officers found 28 concealed 12.5 kg Litro gas cylinders at a shop whose trader had claimed that no gas was available.
Legal action has been taken against the trader, and steps have also been taken to confiscate the 28 cylinders.
Special raids were also carried out in several parts of the Colombo District on November 3 to curb similar practices.
Meanwhile, Litro has decided to suspend the dealership licences of agents who conceal gas cylinders and refuse to sell them.
Members of the public with information about gas hoarding, refusal to sell or overcharging have been urged to contact the CAA’s 1977 hotline.
