Cooking Gas price hike denied

Rumours of cooking gas price hike were denied by the concerned official authorities on Wednesday.

The National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) confirmed in a statement today that “whatever news that is being circulated on social networks regarding an increase of the prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which is mainly used for cooking purposes, isn’t correct”.

The authority explained that “cooking gas prices remained the same since 1983 and no amendments have been implemented to it since then.”

“Cooking gas cylinders weighing 40 pounds is sold for BD2.050 and no price increase decisions have been taken or implemented in this regard,” NOGA confirmed.

The authority called upon consumers to report any manipulation in cooking gas cylinders prices to the Consumer Protection Directorate in Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry or to the Inspection Department in NOGA on the hotline 39457907. It also warned of following rumours and false news that is spread on social media networks and cyber forums.

DT News received a copy of the rumour that was widely circulated on social media networks, mainly on Whatsapp smartphone application.

The news claimed that “a set of new hiked prices of vital services have been introduced in Bahrain.”

It stated, “New shocking news for the people of Bahrain. Cooking gas cylinders’ prices have been increased from BD2.1 to BD4.3 starting next month.”

The circulated news also claimed that “Health Ministry announced that a BD50 charge will be imposed on labour and delivery room services. Bahrainis will have to pay BD1 for every time they visit health centres. Local fishermen will not resume their work starting January 15 because of the boats fuel price hike and electricity and water arrears would be automatically deducted from salaries.”

However, these rumours came few days after the sudden announcement of gasoline prices increase by the Government of Bahrain on Monday, increasing it by 60 percent for Bahraini and non-Bahraini consumers.