The National Gas and Industrial Company (GASCO) has terminated its contract with Hazar International Company because of the latter's unauthorized import of heavy-duty plastic gas cylinders. Hazar was responsible for marketing the gas cylinders in the country. The contract between the two companies stipulates that GASCO has to be informed of any importation of plastic gas cylinders, said Muhammad Al-Shaban, Director General of GASCO. Hazar did not inform GASCO, he said. Saudi Customs has admitted its mistake in clearing the shipment. Although the contract has been terminated, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has ordered GASCO to continue supplying Hazar with gas to avoid any interruption in the supply of the gas cylinders and inconvenience to consumers. Al-Shaban said the ministry has instructed Hazar to re-export the remaining gas cylinders and refund the money they collected. Hazar has not complied with this instruction, added Al-Shaban. He said the company has made it clear to Hazar that consumers have the right to have their money refunded. Al-Shaban denied allegations that GASCO ordered the replacement of the metal cylinders for purely experimental reasons. He said the plastic cylinders are manufactured in Europe according to European specifications and standards. He said consumers like it because of its light weight but objected to paying SR350 for it. __
