BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) has initiated a nationwide crackdown on LPG cylinder-filling plants and retailers after reports of underweight cooking gas deliveries.
Inspections in several provinces found many gas cylinders contained less fuel than indicated on their labels. Officials described this as unfair exploitation of consumers already burdened by high energy costs.
Deputy Director-General of the Internal Trade Department Yanee Srimanee emphasized that ensuring product quantity is as important as monitoring prices. During a recent inspection in Mueang District, Nonthaburi, officials found discrepancies in net weight and issued immediate fines.
Further investigations led to legal action against filling plants in Nonthaburi and Ayutthaya, resulting in the seizure of 57 underweight cylinders. Similar violations in Yasothon, Khon Kaen, and Chon Buri resulted in fines of 20,000 baht per case under the Weights and Measures Act.
At the retail level, shops in Pathum Thani, Chachoengsao, and Satun were each fined 10,000 baht for selling defective cylinders. The DIT has directed all violators to correct their processes before resuming sales.
Alongside these enforcement measures, the DIT is expanding its “Blue Flag” discount program from 60 to over 500 locations nationwide to offer affordable consumer goods. The department is also supporting direct sourcing of raw materials for restaurants to help stabilize food prices.
Anyone who suspects they have received underweight gas cylinders is encouraged to report incidents through the DIT hotline at 1569 or the “Mr. DIT” mobile application. (NNT)
