VIENTIANE, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Ministry of Finance has instructed sectors concerned and border checkpoints to facilitate the import of fuel by removing all procedures that may cause suspension or congestion of oil tanker trucks.
According to a notice issued by the ministry on Friday, relevant sectors need to work together to ensure that fuel is imported and promptly distributed to domestic gas stations.
The notice also asked the department of tax under the ministry to work with relevant sectors to prevent dealers from selling fuel at prices higher than those allowed by the government or hoarding fuel, and to impose strict punishments against such violations.
The ministry also urged relevant sectors to tighten measures against fuel smuggling along the border.
The country's economic woes have led to chronic fuel shortages, with motorists forced to queue for petrol every day.
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