Such action clearly violates competition law of the land that bars companies from collecting, dumping or changing cylinders of competitors. Such activities are regarded as anti-competitive practice as it inflicts instant loss of property and market share to the competitors. Re-fitting of foot rings sharply deteriorates pressure bearing capacity of cylinders that makes them prone to leakage and explosion. Thus Sugam Gas had by circulating such tampered cylinders exposed public to grave risks. Such action is also a violation of Consumers Rights Protection Act, under which the court can slap the promoters of the company fine and imprisonment of up to 14 years. Businessmen who are solely guided by profit-motives without consideration of the well-being of the consumers should not be sparred under any circumstances. Especially those who expose commoners to life threatening situation must be duly punished under law. Strict action against the accused will go a long way in setting precedence that those engaging in fraud will be brought to book. In taking swift action against Sugam Gas and by banning cylinder manufacturing companies from supplying cylinder parts, the government has done just the right thing.
Widespread anomalies in Nepal’s market is in itself not a new phenomenon. Our market is a victim of duplicity where fake materials including contaminated drinks and snacks are being sold openly. Even expired food products and medicines are seen in the shops of the valley, not to talk of those items circulating in the remote parts of the country. This is mainly due to weak implementation of consumer laws. Loopholes in our system, the practice of bribery and unethical business practices has landed the country into such problems. If authorities concerned gear up monitoring of production and sales of various items, consumers would be protected. Also, enough attention must be paid to check quality of products imported from abroad. This must be set as a priority.
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