Nepal cooking gas shortage worsens despite direct sales plan

A nationwide cooking gas shortage in Nepal has intensified following a government attempt to bypass traditional distributors by selling LPG cylinders directly through the Nepal Oil Corporation.

Despite the initiative, consumers in the Kathmandu Valley report increased hardship, facing long queues in extreme weather only to return home without supplies. To purchase gas at government sales centres, citizens are required to present citizenship certificates or national identity cards.

The shortage has persisted for nearly a month. While the Nepal Oil Corporation reported that 3.838 million cylinders were supplied in Shrawan, there is uncertainty regarding the whereabouts of over 300,000 cylinders. The Gas Sellers Federation Nepal has called for an immediate end to direct government sales, and consumers are urging the restoration of distribution through local dealers and depots to improve accessibility.