KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to ensure the smooth supply of liquefied petroleum (LP) gas.
The human rights body said transparency and accountability must be maintained in the distribution process to guarantee consumers’ access to cooking gas.
The NHRC also stressed the need for effective market monitoring on both a regular and need-based basis to prevent artificial shortages and unnecessary hoarding of gas. It added that those involved in creating artificial shortages should face legal action.
NHRC spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel said the commission conducted an investigation into the recent shortage of LP gas in the Kathmandu Valley and held discussions with various stakeholders, including the Food Management Company Limited and Nepal Oil Corporation.
According to the NHRC, its findings showed that consumers faced difficulties in obtaining cooking gas due to the lack of an effective tracking system and the practice of sellers prioritizing regular customers.
The commission argued that the shortage has disproportionately affected students, daily wage workers, and low-income groups, many of whom struggled to obtain even a single gas cylinder.
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