Nepal, March 17 -- The Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) has urged citizens to report any information regarding illegal cooking gas (LPG) trade by calling the toll-free number 1137, following recent reports of black marketing and hoarding of gas amid shortages in the international market.

In recent days, the DoCSCP found cases where LPG was being sold at inflated prices or hidden from the market. Despite Nepal Oil Corporation arranging sales of half cylinders to ease supply, shortages persist.

The DoCSCP has warned that any discovery of unfair trade practices will result in strict action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2075. The toll-free number is active nationwide, allowing anyone to report suspicious...