KOHAT: Firewood and coal dealers have increased the rates amid low gas pressure, the residents complained on Sunday.

They said the wood and coal sellers were taking undue advantage of low gas pressure, but the authorities concerned were silent.

They demanded action against the coal sellers as they got it from the Kohat mines at negligible transportation charges, but had jacked up the rates significantly. They said the people facing low gas pressure and high firewood and coal rates had to revert to forests to cut trees for heating and cooking purposes.

The locals regretted that they were facing gas shortages despite the fact that huge gas and oil reserves were found in Kohat.

They said the firewood price had gone from Rs370 per 40kg to Rs400 per 40kg. Similarly, the coal price had also been jacked up.

An owner of firewood stall, who gets supplies from the forests of Boraka, Sheikhan and Bazidkhel in Mustafa Bazaar, said the prices had been increased by the timber suppliers in the villages.

A coal seller said although the commodity was produced in Kohat and nearby Darra Adamkhel, its cost had risen due to a hike in transportation charges.

Published in Dawn, February 3rd, 2020