Gas stations ordered to stop LPG, NGV overcharging

"During these tough economic times, small change has much value for consumers. The department wants to ensure that consumers will be treated fairly by traders by giving them a reasonable rounding-off system," Yangyong Phuangrach, director-general of the department, said yesterday.

After inspecting service stations, Yangyong said the department found that most of them had made drivers pay more to fill up on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) or NGV (natural gas for vehicles) than they should, which could add up to more than Bt80 million in losses to the public per year.

Based on the department's estimate, 550,000 LPG users would face a daily loss of Bt207,000, while 114,000 NGV users would be out Bt29,000 a day, when they top up their tank and each station overcharges.

From now on, retailers must round down the total price if the fractional part is lower than 34 satang. If it is higher than 80 satang, then the retailer can charge Bt1.

For instance, if the pump reads Bt190.33, the gas stand must charge only Bt190, but if the meter is at Bt190.80, the vehicle must pay Bt191.

Any gas station found unjustly rounding up the gas price would be subject to seven years' imprisonment and/or a Bt140,000 fine under the Product and Service Prices |Act.

The department is sending out teams to inspect 560 LPG stations and 300 NGV stations nationwide.