KATHMANDU: The shortage of cooking LPG gas seen in various parts of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley, over the past few days has started to ease.
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) said gas supply is gradually returning to normal after imports from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) increased and the distribution process was made smoother.
The shortage emerged after NOC resumed the sale of full 14.2 kg cylinders on July 15, leading to a sudden surge in market demand. According to Binitmani Upadhyay, director of NOC’s LP Gas Department, there was pressure on supply during the initial days when distribution shifted from 7.1 kg half cylinders to full cylinders, but sales and distribution have now begun to stabilize.
“More than 100 gas bullets are being loaded daily from IOC refineries,” Upadhyay said. “The supply situation should become completely smooth within a week at most. We urge consumers not to hoard cylinders unnecessarily.”
NOC had started distributing only 7.1 kg cylinders from March 10, citing concerns over possible supply disruptions linked to tensions and potential crises in West Asia. Consumers showed limited interest in half cylinders and held onto them in anticipation of the return of full cylinders, resulting in a sudden rise in demand later, said Krishna Bhakta Shrestha, president of the LP Gas Industry Association.
Imports increase significantly
According to NOC data, Nepal imported 44,318 metric tons of LPG in Shrawan of the previous fiscal year, while imports are estimated to reach about 55,000 metric tons in Shrawan of the current fiscal year. In the first 22 days of the current month alone, 39,774 metric tons of LPG have already been imported.
Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav said the government is also pursuing diplomatic initiatives with India to increase Nepal’s gas quota for the next three months in preparation for the upcoming major festivals. At present, 58 LP gas industries are operating in Nepal, with a combined storage capacity of 10,166 metric tons.
Monitoring intensified
To facilitate distribution, NOC and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies have intensified market monitoring. On Saturday, Minister Yadav and senior NOC officials inspected Nepal Gas Industry in Balaju and several distribution centers in Teku.
NOC said the inspections did not find evidence of artificial shortages or black marketing. Meanwhile, the Quick Response Team formed by the corporation to address complaints from consumers who have not received gas has so far resolved more than 500 complaints, according to NOC.
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