Nepal Restricts Commercial LPG Sales After Highway Damage Disrupts Supplies

Hotels, restaurants and canteens in Nepal have been told to stop receiving cooking gas for the time being after damage to a key highway disrupted LPG supplies to Kathmandu Valley.

The Trishuli River eroded part of the Prithvi Highway at Krishnabhir on August 30. LPG tankers can no longer reach Kathmandu through the blocked section, forcing Nepal Oil Corporation and gas distributors to arrange alternative supplies.

Companies supplying the Valley will have cylinders filled at plants in the Tarai and transport them to Kathmandu by other routes. The corporation said gas brought through those arrangements must be distributed proportionately and efficiently. Executive Director Nagendra Sah said, “Once gas arrives from the Tarai, it will be distributed by prioritising consumers who need it most.”

The new rules reserve available LPG for households and essential users, including students, patients, senior citizens, people with disabilities, shelters, care homes and centres serving flood victims. Commercial businesses must arrange their own supplies by coordinating with dealers or LPG companies, sending empty cylinders to Tarai plants for refilling and bringing them back.

Two representatives from LPG sellers will join the corporation’s Quick Response Team. Their role will include helping monitor the market, prevent artificial shortages and black marketing, and respond to consumer complaints.

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Once gas arrives from the Tarai, it will be distributed by prioritising consumers who need it most.