Nepal Oil Corp faces backlash over LPG ID rule, may review decision

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) faces significant backlash over its decision to mandate official identification for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) purchases. The state-owned oil monopoly is reportedly considering a review of the requirement following widespread criticism.

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We introduced this measure to ensure fairness during times of crisis. Knowing that certain individuals exploit shortages to acquire multiple cylinders, we sought to prevent duplicate purchases.

On Friday, NOC announced that LPG cylinders would be available at five designated locations in the Kathmandu Valley on Saturday. Customers were required to present either a citizenship certificate or a National Identity Card. Nagendra Sah, NOC's executive director, explained the measure aimed to ensure fairness and prevent hoarding during supply shortages, stating, "We introduced this measure to ensure fairness during times of crisis. Knowing that certain individuals exploit shortages to acquire multiple cylinders, we sought to prevent duplicate purchases."

The directive, however, drew sharp criticism from lawmakers, rights activists, and the public. They argued that requiring identification for an essential commodity is unnecessarily bureaucratic and impractical. Gyan Bahadur Shahi, a member of the House of Representatives, questioned the necessity on social media, asking, "Must citizens now carry a citizenship certificate or National ID just to purchase cooking gas? People are being made to queue with identity cards as if they are crossing an international border." He added, "While we do not expect the government to transform the country overnight, it must at least resolve the basic, day-to-day hardship of the general public."

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Must citizens now carry a citizenship certificate or National ID just to purchase cooking gas? People are being made to queue with identity cards as if they are crossing an international border.

Privacy concerns also surfaced regarding the handling of personal information at distribution points. Journalist Bishwas Khadkathoki voiced his unease on social media, questioning the practice of collecting sensitive details at local LPG outlets. "On the one hand, the government makes a display of protecting personal privacy; on the other, it demands that citizens hand over highly sensitive identity documents at street corners and alleyway gas depots," he stated.

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While we do not expect the government to transform the country overnight, it must at least resolve the basic, day-to-day hardship of the general public.

Amid the growing criticism, Sah indicated that the ID requirement was not intended as a permanent policy and could be revised. "This was our initial trial practice," he said. "If it proves ineffective or overly burdensome, we will certainly review and revise the decision."

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On the one hand, the government makes a display of protecting personal privacy; on the other, it demands that citizens hand over highly sensitive identity documents at street corners and alleyway gas depots.