Nepal LPG supply shortage persists as demand outstrips imports

Households across Nepal continue to face a shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) despite assurances from the state‑owned Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) that supplies are adequate. Monthly demand has risen to 55,000–60,000 metric tons, well above the usual 48,000 tons, after the government ended a temporary rationing scheme that provided half‑filled 7.1‑kg cylinders on March 13. Full‑cylinder distribution resumed on July 15, but imports have not kept pace, and bottlers blame the temporary closure of India’s Haldiya and Durgapur refineries and consumer stockpiling for the disruption.

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies said the supply situation should normalize within a few days and warned against hoarding or creating artificial shortages. Consumer‑rights activist Madhav Timilsina and Nepal LP Gas Industry Association president Diwan Bahadur Chand criticised the government's handling of the transition, arguing that poor demand forecasting and weak distribution management are the root causes. Officials, including Chief Secretary Govinda Bahadur Karki, have pledged tighter market monitoring and coordination with NOC and LPG producers to restore stable supplies.