KATHMANDU: Early Sunday morning, plainclothes police officers were deployed to monitor gas depots across the Kathmandu Valley following coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Industry.

The operation was launched after the Ministry of Industry received reports that an artificial shortage was being created in the market to sell LP cooking gas at inflated prices, despite regular imports continuing from India.

Prompted by a request from Industry Minister Gauri Yadav, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung instructed the deployment of undercover personnel for strict oversight.

In response, police announced they will take firm action against anyone found hoarding gas cylinders, overcharging, or operating on the black market.

While the surveillance drive was initiated in the Valley, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that it will be expanded to distribution points in other districts as necessary.