GUJRAT, Jan 1: Dealers and agency holders have created an artificial shortage of the liquefied petroleum gas throughout the district to sell the same reportedly at high rates.

According to a survey conducted by this scribe on Monday, there are about 12 companies dealing in LPG. Their dealers are bound to sell a 11kg cylinder for Rs225, but they are charging Rs260. The dealers used to sell a cylinder for Rs260 to refillers who provide it to consumers for Rs290.

The worst-hit area is Lalamusa where about six refilling agency holders are charging Rs35 more than the actual price on the pretext of short supply. The other affected cities are Gujrat, Kharian, Jalalpur Jattan, Kunjah, Sarai Alamgir and Dinga.

People have demanded the authorities concerned to launch a campaign against the persons involved in overcharging and short measuring.