Kathmandu, March 13: In response to rising tensions in the Middle East and fears of a potential supply crisis, the Nepalese government has decided to implement rationing of cooking gas (LPG). The Nepal Oil Corporation announced that consumers will now receive only half the usual amount of gas in their empty cylinders to ensure the availability of gas in the country for a longer duration.
This new regulation will take effect starting Friday. Officials stated that this precautionary measure aims to extend the current gas reserves and prevent an unexpected shortage in the nation.
The new rule will apply to both domestic users and those in hotels and restaurants. The corporation emphasized that the goal of this initiative is to conserve energy, although it does not affect imports.
According to The Kathmandu Post, this decision was made during a board meeting of the Nepal Oil Corporation on Thursday. The discussions recalled the experiences from 2015 and 2020 when the country faced significant shortages of cooking gas.
Manoj Kumar Thakur, Deputy Director of the Nepal Oil Corporation, stated, “After weeks of increasing complaints from customers about the unavailability of cooking gas cylinders, officials from the Industry Ministry and the Corporation held discussions. Starting Friday, we will sell 7.1 kilograms of cooking gas instead of the usual 14.2 kilograms.”
Despite the government’s assurances that there is currently sufficient LPG supply in Nepal, anxiety among the public persists, leading many to queue outside refilling plants with empty cylinders.
Long lines have been observed outside gas refilling centers across various regions of the country. Many individuals are waiting for hours to refill their gas cylinders for home use. The government warns that if this panic continues, it could put additional pressure on the supply system.
Nepal heavily relies on imports for its energy needs, particularly for petroleum products and cooking gas, which are entirely supplied through India. Most of the country’s fuel requirements are imported from India and transported via road to different parts of the nation.
Geopolitical tensions, especially conflicts in the Middle East, could impact energy supply and prices. In light of these potential risks, the Nepalese government has taken this precautionary step to ensure a balanced use of limited reserves and to prevent an abrupt gas crisis in the country.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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