Market inspection launched in Gulmi amid LPG shortage

Market inspections have been intensified in Tamghas, Gulmi, Nepal, as authorities respond to a growing shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking. The joint inspection, led by the Cottage and Small Industries Office, Gulmi, was initiated due to a surge in consumer complaints about the difficulty of obtaining cooking gas in recent weeks.

The inspection team comprised representatives from various agencies, including the District Administration Office, the Nepal Journalists’ Federation, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They examined gas dealers and wholesale and retail outlets across Tamghas to evaluate the LPG supply situation, collect data on available stock, and determine if the shortage stems from artificial hoarding or insufficient supply. Rajib Aryal, chief of the Cottage and Small Industries Office, Gulmi, stated that the inspection aimed to gather this crucial information.

During the inspection, 39 wholesale and retail LPG dealers were assessed. Data revealed that Tamghas has a total storage capacity for 2,846 LPG cylinders, but currently holds only 258 filled cylinders, with 2,588 empty. This indicates a significant gap between available supply and high market demand. Aryal concluded that the shortage is primarily driven by increased demand and inadequate supply, rather than artificial manipulation. He assured that regular inspections would continue and that authorities are coordinating to improve the supply system, urging consumers to purchase only necessary amounts to ensure orderly distribution.

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The shortage is primarily due to a sharp rise in demand and insufficient supply rather than the creation of an artificial shortage.