KUCHING, Dec 7: Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) has dismissed allegations that its retail liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) arm, PetrosNiaga Sdn Bhd, charges a premium price of RM40 on sub-dealers for swapping one red gas cylinder.
In an official statement today, Petros asserted that the alleged RM40 charge per cylinder exchange to sub-dealers is not a practice supported by PetrosNiaga.
The company encouraged sub-dealers who have encountered such charges to directly contact PetrosNiaga’s Customer Service at 1300-882-122 so that the necessary actions can be taken.
“As the sole supplier of subsidised LPG in Sarawak, the company has actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth market transition with no supply disruption.
“As an important stakeholder, to date, the majority of the affected dealers have become a part of PetrosNiaga’s strong statewide network of 65 dealers and 280 sub-dealers.
“This demonstrates our commitment to promoting local participation, while ensuring a reliable supply of subsidised LPG to household customers,” Petros emphasised.
This statement came following concerns raised by MyGaz Sdn Bhd distributors and dealers who alleged that they have been approached by Petros managers demanding a payment of RM40 per unity for exchanging from yellow gas cylinder for Petros’ red cylinders.
PetrosNiaga reiterated its assurance of an ample supply of 14kg subsidised LPG cylinders to meet customer demand.
The company also reassured customers that they can carry out the one-to-one cylinder exchange through its strong dealership network with no additional cost when they switch from other LPG cylinders to PetrosNiaga’s red cylinders, except for the refill cost.
Petros also disclosed plans to upgrade storage capacity at its facilities as well as to enhance logistics management.
“These planned investments demonstrate Petros’ long-term commitment to better serve Sarawak’s customers. PetrosNiaga is committed to ensuring a continuous supply of subsidised LPG across Sarawak,” it added.
In a press conference yesterday (Dec 6), MyGaz distributors and dealers voiced their dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) and Petros regarding the handling of gas cylinder transition following PetrosNiaga’s appointment as the sole supplier of LPG in Sarawak starting from Dec 1, 2023.
They said the absence of clear instructions, directions and official correspondence from MUT and Petros/PetrosNiaga has significantly affected the dealers and distributors in Sarawak who struggles to adapt to the new policy mandate. — DayakDaily
