Why can’t consumers exchange other brands’ LPG cylinders amid the shortage
Summary
Consumers in Kathmandu are struggling to get cooking gas as LPG companies refuse to exchange cylinders across brands amid a shortage. Industry representatives say legal, technical and insurance issues have prevented the government’s cross-brand exchange directive from being implemented.
Key Points
- Long queues formed at Salt Trading Corporation’s Koteshwar office as consumers tried to exchange empty cylinders for filled LPG cylinders.
- Consumers with Himal Gas and Everest cylinders were turned away because Salt Trading would only exchange its own cylinders.
- A former minister had directed cross-brand cylinder exchanges, but gas companies say legal, technical and insurance complications have blocked implementation.
- Supply disruptions from floods and landslides at Krishnabhir have worsened the LPG shortage in Kathmandu Valley.
