KATHMANDU: Growing tensions in West Asia have begun affecting the supply of cooking gas in Nepal, with several gas depots shutting down and long queues forming at those that remain open.
Long lines of consumers carrying empty cylinders were seen early Thursday morning in the Balaju Industrial Area, where people waited for hours hoping to refill their gas cylinders. While some managed to purchase filled cylinders, many others returned empty-handed as supplies remained limited.
The disruption follows the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has heightened tensions across the Gulf region.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route bordering Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, has also been affected by the conflict, disrupting the transport of gas and petroleum products. The impact is now being felt in markets around the world.
Nepal imports cooking gas and petroleum products via India. However, supply disruptions in India have begun affecting the Nepali market as well.
The Nepal Oil Corporation, which manages the distribution of petroleum products in Nepal, has been attempting to ease the situation, but shortages persist. Many consumers say they are struggling to obtain cooking gas amid the ongoing supply disruption.
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