KATHMANDU: A shortage of cooking gas continues to affect residents in Kathmandu as industrial closures during the festival season disrupt the supply chain. Keshav Joshi, a resident of Gothatar, reported being unable to secure a cylinder for a week, receiving no clear timeline from local dealers. Similarly, Manish Khadayat, a resident of Chandragiri, said he has been unable to purchase gas since the beginning of Dashain, forcing him to rely on hotel meals.
According to the Nepal Oil Corporation, there are currently no disruptions to the transport of gas bullets into the capital, and supply levels are meeting demand. Industry representatives attribute the market shortage to the temporary closure of bottling plants during the holidays. Gyaneshwar Aryal, president of the Gas Dealers Federation, stated that most industries ceased operations around Phulpati. He noted that plants began reopening on Sunday and expects distribution to normalize within a few days.
The capital previously faced a severe crisis when floods in Bhote Koshi, Rasuwa, blocked major supply routes, leading to the resignation of former Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav. The ministry is currently led by Deepak Kumar Shah. To address recurring shortages, the ministry is working on a plan to classify gas cylinders for household and commercial use. A task force has been established to study the proposal.
