KATHMANDU: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has started selling LP gas cylinders from its Teku office in a bid to streamline the distribution of cooking gas amid supply concerns in the market.
According to the corporation, 14.2 kg cylinders of Nepal Gas, HP Gas, Everest Gas, Sugam Gas and Shriram Gas will be sold through the respective companies in the Kathmandu Valley from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm starting Saturday.
NOC spokesperson Manoj Thakur said there is no shortage of LP gas and that supplies remain regular. He said around 49,000 metric tonnes of LP gas were imported in July, while an additional 26,500 metric tonnes have been imported by gas companies between August 1 and 15.
“The issue is not a shortage of gas but a temporary distribution problem caused by consumers switching from 7.1 kg cylinders to 14.2 kg cylinders,” Thakur said, adding that distribution is expected to normalise within a week.
Despite the corporation’s assurance, consumers have reported difficulty obtaining cooking gas in Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country. Many dealers have been registering customers’ names and asking them to wait, citing insufficient supplies from gas companies.
Navaraj Pokharel, a resident of Balaju, said he had been unable to obtain a gas cylinder for several days.
“When I went to the gas store, they said they had not received supplies from the company and asked me to register my name. They said they would deliver the cylinder once stocks arrive,” he said.
The corporation has urged consumers to purchase gas only as needed and avoid unnecessary stockpiling. It has also directed gas companies and dealers to prioritise household consumers, maintain records of buyers and ensure orderly distribution.
NOC has asked consumers who are unable to obtain LP gas to contact its hotline for assistance.
Comment