Gas shortage worsens as govt plan backfires
Summary
The government’s direct LPG sales plan has failed to ease the shortage in Kathmandu Valley, leaving consumers waiting for hours and often returning home empty-handed. Dealers and consumer groups say the new system has worsened confusion, while the shortage continues nationwide.
Key Points
- The Nepal Oil Corporation began direct LPG sales in Kathmandu Valley, but consumers still faced long queues and empty returns.
- Gas sellers and consumer groups say bypassing the dealer network has disrupted distribution and deepened the shortage.
- Industry, Commerce and Supply Minister Gauri Kumari said the government shifted to direct sales after losing confidence in the existing system.
- The federation says Nepal imported about 60,000 tonnes less LPG over the past four months and blames new cylinders for worsening the shortage.
