KATHMANDU: Kathmandu is facing an acute shortage of cooking gas, with daily demand reaching 40,000 cylinders while supply remains limited to 25,000. The Nepal Oil Corporation and the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association reported that the supply-demand imbalance has caused widespread disruption in the valley.

The critical shortage follows the closure of the Prithvi Highway at Krishna Bhir in Dhading, where flood-induced road erosion has blocked the main supply route for eight days. This blockage has severely impacted the transport of gas, petroleum products, and food supplies. According to Nepal Oil Corporation spokesperson Manoj Thakur, there is a daily deficit of 15,000 cylinders. Efforts are underway to transport gas from depots in the Terai region through alternative routes.

Due to these supply constraints, the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association has imposed an additional charge of Rs 105.38 per cylinder, raising the price in Kathmandu from Rs 2,060 to Rs 2,165.38. Industry operators claim this increase is necessary to cover higher transportation costs via alternative routes.

Consumers have been forming long queues at gas depots since midnight, with many reporting that they remain unable to secure gas even after waiting for days. Association president Diwan Bahadur Chand acknowledged irregularities in distribution, noting that some dealers have been holding back stock. He previously proposed a system based on identification cards to manage distribution, but the plan was shelved following public criticism.

Repair work at the Krishna Bhir section is ongoing. Spokesperson Thakur stated that once the road is fully operational, gas availability is expected to improve within three to four days. However, officials noted that even after the road reopens, it will take time for gas bullets to reach industries, undergo refilling, and reach retailers, meaning the shortage is unlikely to resolve immediately.