Aug 09, Kathmandu - The Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supply, has stepped up market monitoring to curb black market activities and ensure a steady supply of cooking gas.

Although there are no issues with gas imports from India, reports of artificial shortages and black marketing have raised concerns. Following continuous complaints and intelligence reports received by the Ministry of Industry, authorities have increased surveillance and enforcement measures.

According to Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Netra Prasad Sudeedi, efforts to monitor the market are ongoing and now more effective, leading to a gradual easing of supply issues. Despite the availability of gas, some entities are creating artificial shortages to manipulate the market and sell at higher prices.

Industry Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav has called for security personnel deployment at depots in the Kathmandu Valley to prevent such activities and protect consumers from inflated prices. Following her request, Home Minister Sudan Gurung directed law enforcement agencies to coordinate and facilitate the necessary operations, the Home Ministry’s secretariat confirmed.