KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has urged the government to immediately implement a clear, long-term energy policy aimed at gradually replacing LPG with electricity.
A meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee criticized the government for imposing additional taxes on electricity consumption, arguing that the move discourages consumers from switching from LPG to cleaner electric energy.
The Congress said previous governments had adopted policies to increase domestic electricity consumption and gradually reduce dependence on LPG. It accused the current government of undermining that approach by adding taxes and charges on electricity use.
The party also criticized the government’s recent decision to distribute full 14.2-kilogram LPG cylinders without adequate preparation or consultation, saying the move had further aggravated shortages in the market.
“Distributing 14.2-kilogram cylinders abruptly without a concrete plan has worsened the LPG shortage,” the Congress said, warning that the government’s lack of preparedness and long-term planning could leave consumers facing shortages for an extended period.
