The price of a cylinder of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for domestic use has shot up to RM230 from less than RM100 each here, the highest in Sarawak.
Bernama learnt that the price for a cylinder was RM170 in Bintulu, RM150 in Kuching, RM130 in Lawas, RM90 in Sibu.
Traders in Miri claimed that they made only a small profit from each sale of the LPG cylinders as their suppliers charged them at more than RM200 per cylinder.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Miri branch chief Zakaria Awang said commercial organisations found guilty of profiteering faced a RM250,000 penalty under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act. The act had been enforced since April.
Sole proprietors could be fined RM50,000, jailed up to two years, or both, if found guilty under the act, he said.
He also urged people with information on unethical commercial practices to contact the ministry''s office at 085-412 862.
