Kathmandu Valley faces LPG shortage due to highway landslides

A significant shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is affecting the Kathmandu Valley following landslides on the Prithvi Highway. The closure of the Krishnabhir section of the Mugling-Naubise road has forced gas companies to use the longer and more difficult Tribhuvan Highway, severely disrupting the supply of essential cooking fuel.

Daily demand in the valley has surged to approximately 100,000 cylinders, far exceeding the normal range of 35,000 to 40,000. However, recent distribution figures show only about 18,000 cylinders reached dealers, leaving many consumers and restaurant operators facing severe scarcity.

In response to increased transportation costs via alternative routes, some refilling plant operators have raised prices by Rs100 to Rs105 per cylinder. The Nepal Oil Corporation has stated it will prioritize distribution to household consumers to manage the crisis.