KATHMANDU: The Nepal Oil Corporation has urged consumers not to hoard LP gas cylinders beyond their immediate needs. The corporation stated that the supply situation is gradually easing as the distribution system has been made more effective. By Sept. 13, a total of 52,737 metric tonnes of LP gas had been imported into Nepal, equivalent to approximately 3,713,894 cylinders.
According to the corporation, 19,218 metric tonnes of gas were loaded from various refineries and bottling plants of the Indian Oil Corporation as of Sept. 10. Due to road obstructions caused by landslides at Krishnabhir, gas is being distributed via alternative routes to refineries in the Terai for bottling and subsequent supply to the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding districts.
Between Sept. 3 and Sept. 12, approximately 399,529 cylinders were distributed through the Tribhuvan Highway and BP Highway. The corporation reported an average daily distribution of 40,000 cylinders during this period. Coordination is in place to prioritize gas distribution for residents in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, who were directly affected by the floods on Aug. 26.
To prevent artificial shortages or the hoarding of cylinders, the corporation is coordinating with the Ministry of Home Affairs to increase monitoring. During recent inspections, approximately 1,200 hidden cylinders were recovered and distributed to consumers, and action has been taken against vendors found violating regulations.
The corporation is also working on developing an online tracking system to ensure transparency in the sale and distribution of gas cylinders.
