Efforts to Reduce LPG Gas Shortage in Nepal by Increasing Imports from India

Officials from Nepal Oil Corporation have requested India to supply up to 60,000 metric tons of gas monthly. This indicates an increase in supply and improvements in the distribution system, suggesting that the situation is easing. The Oil Corporation reported on Wednesday that more than 57,316 metric tons of gas were imported in the month of Shrawan alone, with sales and distribution surpassing the previous month by nine lakh cylinders.

The spokesperson of the Oil Corporation stated that the supply system from India is stable and that positive impacts are beginning to be seen in the market. They anticipate that distribution will return to normal conditions within the next one and a half weeks. The chairman of the Nepal LPG Industry Association claimed that with a demand of 55,000 metric tons this time and continuous supply of 60,000 metric tons over two months, the current crisis will be fully resolved.

According to officials, LPG imports and sales are 20 percent higher than usual; however, LPG for cooking is still not readily available in many areas. Spokesperson Manoj Thakur said, “Our typical monthly consumption is between 45,000 to 46,000 metric tons. By Shrawan, 57,000 metric tons have already been imported.” He also confirmed that there have been no interruptions in gas supply from India and that current issues are expected to be resolved within the next one and a half weeks.

Data released by the Oil Corporation shows that over 1.3 million more cylinders have been sold and distributed compared to the month of Chaitra last year. Divan Bahadur Chand, chairman of the Nepal LPG Industry Association, noted that low LPG supply during Chaitra, Baishakh, and Jestha months may have caused some difficulties. He added, “According to our estimates, an additional 25,000 metric tons of gas is still required.”