What’s behind Nepal’s cooking gas shortage?

Nepal’s Chief Secretary, Govinda Bahadur Karki, has held talks with business leaders to address the recent shortage of cooking gas in the market.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s Office, reviewed the causes of the shortage and the role of relevant ministries, departments, industries, and gas distribution businesses in resolving the issue.

Business leaders present at the meeting claimed that there was no actual shortage of gas in the market, but rather a surge in demand after the government switched from providing half-filled cylinders of 7.1 kg to full cylinders of 14.2 kg.

Causes of the shortage

According to Krishna Bhakta Shrestha, president of the LP Gas Industry Association of Nepal, the shortage was caused by consumers stockpiling gas, leading to a psychological perception of a shortage.

He explained that over the past six months, gas imports had decreased by around 45,000 metric tons compared to regular consumption, and the use of half-filled cylinders had contributed to the shortage.

Shrestha suggested that importing an additional 55,000 to 60,000 metric tons of LP gas per month for the next three months could resolve the issue.

Measures to address the shortage

The meeting decided to enhance coordination and management among relevant agencies to ensure effective, regular, and smooth distribution of gas in districts facing supply problems.

According to the association, the shortage was exacerbated by lower gas imports in April and May, with only 34,081 metric tons imported in April and 28,504 metric tons in May.

Those present at the meeting included Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Birendra Kumar Yadav, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Narayan Prasad Sharma Duwadi, and representatives of the gas industry.