MUSCAT: The news about a proposed price hike in the LPG gas (cooking gas cylinder) from RO 3 to RO 3.300 or RO 3.500 is baseless and unfounded, according to Muscat Gas.
Speaking to the Observer, a representative from Muscat Gas has confirmed that there would not be and there has not been any increase in the retail prices of LPG cylinders for the end-consumer, and that all applicable rates remain as per the prices approved by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) and other government entities.
Muscat Gas earlier issued a letter on July 12 titled ‘New Selling Prices and Cylinder Rental Fees for Muscat Gas Cylinders’ announcing the price hike due to the continuous increase in gas prices in the Sultanate of Oman and the cost of cylinders used for Muscat Gas cylinders. In the letter, it further said that the company will be updating the selling prices and cylinder rental fees at Muscat Gas receiving stations, effective from the date specified in the attached price list. This has been widely circulating and gas vendors keeping in their status and sharing with their customers apparently with a view to increase the price.
“I was sort of taken aback learning a potential increase in the price of gas cylinders and we pay RO 3.500 at the moment because the seller would ask for more due to my flat located on the 1st floor. We didn't argue and just paid the amount. The present circular evoked panic because it was also addressed to ‘Valued Customers as well as ‘Receiving Station Clients’ when my gas supplier showed me the memo,” Sharanya, a homemaker, said.
However, the company in its statement added, "The letter, which has been recently circulating on social media, is an internal memo addressed to one of the distribution stations and pertains to internal commercial arrangements between the company and its subsidiaries. It does not, in any way, represent an increase in the price applied to the end-consumer."
Muscat Gas affirmed its commitment to the approved official prices and confirmed that any increase in retail prices for the end consumer outside of the approved official prices is a violation of applicable regulations, the statement said.
“Any entity or individual exploiting this internal memo to justify price increases or mislead consumers will be referred to the competent authorities to take the necessary legal and regulatory measures,” it said.
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