LPG imports are up. Why are consumers still queuing for it?
Summary
Nepal’s LPG imports have increased, but consumers are still queuing for cooking gas because of weak cylinder management, limited storage and distribution bottlenecks. Officials say the shortage is a supply-chain problem rather than a simple import crunch.
Key Points
- Nepal Oil Corporation says LPG imports have not fallen, and industry representatives say imports have even risen recently.
- Queues persist because demand jumped back when full 14.2-kilogram cylinders returned after months of half-filled sales.
- The shortage is being driven by weak cylinder management, poor distribution, limited storage and dependence on Indian tanker transport.
- Experts say Nepal needs more storage, a clear cylinder policy, and better distribution systems to prevent repeat shortages.
