Editorial | Gas shortages require swift government response
Summary
Nepal’s LPG market is facing shortages despite steady imports, exposing weaknesses in distribution, cylinder regulation and consumer hoarding. The editorial urges the government to tighten supply management and shift households toward electric cooking and hydropower-based energy use.
Key Points
- LPG shortages have returned in Nepal even though imports from India and NOC supply volumes remain broadly steady.
- The crisis stems from reactive distribution changes, panic stockpiling and a lack of clear rules on cylinder ownership and market release.
- Nepal now has an estimated 17.5 million LPG cylinders in circulation, up from 14.4 million in 2021, with no comprehensive regulation to control hoarding.
- The editorial calls for stronger supply-chain management, fewer bottling plants and a shift toward induction stoves and other electric cooking alternatives.
