Aug 06, Kathmandu - Pokhara’s Ratan Chwok area is witnessing long queues of consumers waiting to get LPG cylinders, even before the official supply outlets open. The lines have extended to the streets, making it difficult for pedestrians to pass through.

Consumers have reported having to chase suppliers for LPG over the past several days. Gita Kumari Kshetri from Chhorepatan shared her frustration, stating, “I’ve been waiting in line for LPG for four days, but still haven't received a cylinder. Previously, I used to get gas from a nearby grocery store, but that’s no longer possible. It’s uncertain whether I’ll get gas today.”

Anita Regmi from Rastriya Bank Chok had informed suppliers about the gas shortage a week ago. Despite registering her name 15 days ago, she was told the gas would arrive on Sawan 21 and joined the line on Thursday. 

“It’s been over a week since the gas ran out. They said it would arrive today, but we haven't received any yet,” she said. Many who had been in line since morning reported still not having received gas by 1 PM. Due to the shortage, some have started using induction stoves, while others are resorting to traditional methods like cooking over earthen stoves. Several consumers also mentioned they are waiting in line to buy a new cylinder as their current supply is running out.

Srinjana Kandel, managing director of Ratan Chowk Gas Suppliers and an official dealer of Nepal Oil Corporation, explained that supply has been inadequate due to the inability to meet demand from the government and gas companies.

“It’s not that the gas isn’t arriving, but it’s not enough to meet the demand,” she said. “Currently, about half of the requested supply is being delivered. We used to sell between 6,000 and 6,500 cylinders monthly, but by Sawan 20, we only received 3,785 cylinders—roughly half of the usual demand.”

Kandel emphasized that until supplies match the demand, shortages will continue. The Nepal Oil Corporation had started distributing 1/2 LPG cylinders (3.5 kg) from Falgun 29 due to special circumstances, and resumed full 14.2 kg cylinder distribution from Aasadha 31 when supplies improved. However, despite the increase in demand following the resumption, the supply has not kept pace.

Ganesh Bahadur Magar, information officer at the Nepal Oil Corporation’s Gandaki Province Office, stated that they do not have data on LPG demand and supply in the region. “We only handle the sales and distribution of diesel and petrol. The LPG supply is managed directly through the gas companies from distribution centers, so we don’t have figures on demand or supply levels here,” he said.