Consumers face LPG shortage weeks after full cylinder distribution resumes

Weeks after the government restarted the distribution of fully filled LPG cooking gas cylinders, consumers in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley and several other districts are once again facing a severe shortage. The situation has forced many individuals to wait in long queues at dealers and suppliers, often leaving their empty cylinders behind in hopes of securing a replacement.

Scenes of large crowds were observed at the Nepal Gas depot in the Balaju Industrial Area on Sunday, with consumers reporting waits of several weeks for a single gas cylinder exchange. Earlier this year, to address a previous shortage, the Nepal Oil Corporation had introduced the sale of half-filled cylinders (7.1 kg) starting from late Falgun 2082 (March 2026). However, with the resumption of full cylinder distribution, demand has surged dramatically, exacerbating the supply issues.

Despite the visible consumer struggles and overwhelming crowds at gas depots nationwide, the Nepal Oil Corporation maintains that there is no LPG shortage in the market. This official stance contrasts sharply with the experiences of everyday consumers, particularly students and small households who rely on a single cylinder and are left without cooking fuel during the extended waiting periods.