KABUL (PAN): The liquefied petroleum gas shortage and price hike in Kabul was tied to hoarding by Afghan traders at the Hairatan port in Mazar-i-Sharif, an official said on Sunday.
They would take effective step to deal with the problem, a Ministry of Commerce and Industries official Eng. FaridSherzai told a news conference in Kabul.
Last week, the ministry fixed at 55 afghanis ($1.34) the price of one kilogram of gas, but the rate hovers between 80 and 100afs in the capital city. The price was fixed in consultation with representatives of traders.
Gas-importing companies were directed not to charge more than 50 afghanis per kilogram. But the Afghan Zamin Gas Company head, Amir Muhammad, said one kilo of gas cost them of 67 afghanis.
But the company was still selling gas for 63 afghanis a kilogram after the government's announcement, he added. They had stopped importing the commodity due to the price uncertainty, he explained.
According to NajibullahIntezar, head of the Koh-i-Damanyan Gas Company, they have no stocks but do want to import it due to losses.
Sherzai acknowledged the traders' complaints as valid and said they would send a high-ranking delegation to the port to take action against hoarders.
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