Srinagar, May 1: The administration in Lolab area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Friday slapped a fine of Rs 3000 on a gas agency for providing LPG cylinders to consumers at exorbitant rates.

Reports said that the officials concerned on Friday caught the employees of Madina Gas Service at Sogam on the spot when they were selling LPG cylinders for Rs 869 instead of the government-approved rate of Rs 660. The TATA 407 of the gas agency bearing registration number JK09B-3929 was also seized.

“We had received a complaint that the gas agency was overcharging consumers for the LPG cylinders. I visited the spot and realized a fine of Rs 3000 from it,” Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Lolab Aijaz Ahmad Bhat said.

He said that the vehicle was let off only after the fine was realized from the gas agency staffers.

Bhat further said that he has written a letter to the assistant director, food and supplies department, Kupwara seeking action against the gas agency owner for selling cylinders at exorbitant rates. He said he has also recommended cancellation of the gas agency’s license.

Meanwhile, locals of the area hailed the immediate action by the administration but urged Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and concerned Deputy Commissioner to take stern action against the agency so that it serves as a deterrent to others in these testing times.

The locals also urged the administration to keep a check on the rates of essentials, including LPG gas cylinders being sold at expensive rates.

“Even in the times of pandemic and the holy month of Ramadan, people are being looted. The administration must keep a check and take strict action against these black marketers,” they said. (GNS)