It's a gas-tronomic issue

Stark difference: The subsidised LPG gas cylinder seen here costs RM26 while a commercial variation is priced at RM70.
Eatery owners want more clarity over rules on LPG use
PETALING JAYA: A switch to commercial liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by hawkers could lead to consumers having to pay higher food prices, says the Petaling Jaya Coffeeshop Association.
'We do not want to pass down any cost as it does not solve any problem.
'At the end of the day, we will lose customers. People will eat out less due to smaller spending power and ultimately, the impact comes back to us,' said association president Keu Kok Meng.
A subsidised LPG gas cylinder costs RM26. But the commercial variation is priced at RM70, which means an almost three times increase in cost.
The controversy over LPG emerged when the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry began Ops Gasak from May 1 to Oct 31 to look into the misuse of subsidised LPG.
According to the ministry, LPG subsidies is intended for households. It is not a trade or commercial subsidy. But any party is allowed to use a maximum of 42kg (three cylinders of 14kg size) at any one time without requiring a permit.
However, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has highlighted a PETRONAS directive dated April 30 that gas dealers should stop selling 12kg and 14kg subsidised LPG cylinders to commercial premises such as restaurants, hawkers stalls and mamak shops.
The matter had led to anxiety among small traders and hawkers, Dr Wee said, adding that they should be given an assurance that they can continue using subsidised LPG.
Keu told a press conference yesterday that it had been a tough time for hawkers.
Taking into account the cost of commercially priced LPG, he said a bowl of noodles could go up by more than RM1.
Citing the example of a stall selling prawn noodles and using two subsidised gas cylinders a day amounting to RM52, Keu said a switch to commercial gas would mean that the cost would be RM140 instead.
He claimed that enforcement officers carrying out Ops Gasak had taken action against a place in Setia Alam, Selangor, although the ministry had previously explained that the inspections of food and beverage outlets are conducted as an 'advocacy' move.
'It is stressful to hear about seizures being made,' he said, adding that there should be clarity about Ops Gasak.
Keu said they had written to various stakeholders on this issue including the ministry, MPs and MCA leaders.
Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung, who was present at the press conference yesterday, said he had sought clarification on the matter from the Selangor office of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
He also proposed the ministry consult stakeholders like food courts, restaurants and coffeeshop operators, as well as MPs, before implementing such measures.

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