Sep 08, Kathmandu - Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has issued a directive to manufacturers and vendors to sell cooking gas exclusively in certified gas cylinders that are officially authorized and currently circulating in the market.

According to NOC, approximately 154,000 gas cylinders have been in use across Nepal until 2080 B.S., with an additional estimated 16,000 cylinders still in circulation.

In recent months, the market has faced challenges in the smooth distribution of gas. The corporation has warned that new cylinders are entering the market under the pretext of meeting rising demand, which has raised concerns over safety and regulation.

A circular issued by NOC highlights that the demand for gas has surged following the implementation of regulations requiring the sale of gas in 14.2 kg capacity cylinders. However, reports indicate that some industry players and vendors are selling new cylinders without proper authorization, complicating supply management.

NOC has strictly instructed industry stakeholders and vendors not to sell or distribute new gas cylinders that are not certified.

Manoj Thakur, Director of NOC, clarified that there is no restriction on new consumers purchasing gas. “We have prohibited industries from filling and selling gas in new cylinders, but there is no ban on new consumers buying gas,” he said.

The regulation to sell only in filled, certified cylinders was enforced to streamline supply. Before this, demand surged, leading consumers to wait in long queues for gas

While supply had temporarily stabilized, recent roadblocks caused by a landslide on the Krishna Highway in Prithvi Highway have hampered the transportation of gas trucks to Kathmandu. This has led to a renewed shortage in the Kathmandu Valley, with consumers facing longer lines and scarcity.

To address these issues, NOC has emphasized strict enforcement of regulations on the use and sale of certified cylinders to ensure smooth and safe gas supply across the market.