DHANGADHI: Despite growing rumors of an LP gas shortage in Sudurpashchim Province, data from the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) indicates that the supply of cooking gas remains regular, with market pressure arising primarily from a sudden surge in consumer demand compared to normal periods.
According to data from the NOC’s Sudurpashchim Provincial Office in Dhangadhi, 115,990 gas cylinders—comprising 72,940 Radiant (Royal) and 43,050 Saipal gas cylinders—have already been sold during the first 24 days of the current fiscal year (up to August 9, 2026). NOC Provincial Office Head Manohar DC stated that sales during this 24-day period have already surpassed the total monthly sales recorded in the month of Shrawan (mid-July to mid-August) over the past two fiscal years, which stood at 112,770 cylinders in FY 2024/25 and 99,840 cylinders in FY 2023/24.
The volume of gas sold up to August 9 reached 1,657 metric tons, representing a 241 metric ton increase compared to the 1,416 metric tons sold during the entire month of Shrawan last fiscal year, while an additional 50,000 cylinders are currently en route to the province for the remainder of the month.
On an annual basis, gas consumption in the province dropped slightly by 2.5 percent from 1,180,830 cylinders (16,869 metric tons) in FY 2024/25 to 1,150,834 cylinders (16,440 metric tons) in FY 2025/26. Monthly consumption patterns have shown significant variability; in FY 2024/25, monthly sales ranged from 80,780 cylinders in Chaitra (mid-March to mid-April) to 115,500 cylinders in Ashadh (mid-June to mid-July), whereas in FY 2025/26, monthly sales peaked at 117,170 cylinders in Kartik (mid-October to mid-November) and hit a low of 66,710 cylinders in Baishakh (mid-April to mid-May).
Meanwhile, a market monitoring drive conducted in Dhangadhi on Monday, led by the District Administration Office, Kailali, confirmed that LP gas supplies remain regular across local markets.
Assistant Chief District Officer Khadananda Khatri reported that while several dealers maintain sufficient stock, panic buying triggered by shortage rumors has led consumers to hoard extra cylinders, thereby creating artificial market pressure.
Khatri urged the public not to hoard extra gas cylinders unnecessarily, assuring that supply channels are functioning smoothly.
NOC Provincial Chief DC reiterated that a comparative analysis of historical consumption and current distribution confirms there is no supply crisis in the province, attributing the current market tightness strictly to rumor-driven panic buying.
