Oct 09, Kathmandu - To ensure an uninterrupted supply of cooking gas during the upcoming Dashain festival, consumers in the Kathmandu Valley will be permitted to exchange empty LPG cylinders of any brand for a filled cylinder of any available brand free of additional exchange charges.

The facility will be available from Ghatasthapana through Phulpati across six designated distribution centers in the Valley. The initiative is being implemented by the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association in coordination with the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and in collaboration with the Gas Dealers Federation.

Operating Schedule and Locations

Distribution centers will operate daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Consumers can exchange cylinders at the following six locations:

Balaju: Nepal Gas Industry plant

Pepsicola: Sagar Gas warehouse

Sukedhara: Baba Gas depot

Sifal: Everest and Sugam Gas center

Kalanki: Sai Baba and Shree Krishna Gas warehouse

Harisiddhi (Lalitpur): Shri Ram Gas warehouse

Key Highlights and Relief for Consumers

No Extra Exchange Fee: Typically, consumers face fees of up to Rs. 300 when swapping cylinders between different brands. Under this festive arrangement, no extra exchange fee will be charged—consumers only need to pay the standard regulated price for the refilled gas.

Quota: Consumers will be allowed to exchange one cylinder per person upon presenting any empty cylinder marketed within the Kathmandu Valley.

58 Brands in Market: Diwan Chand, President of the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association, noted that 58 distinct gas brands currently operate across Nepal, making cross-brand swapping essential during peak demand.

Targeting Single-Cylinder Households: NOC Executive Director Nagendra Sah stated that the initiative primarily targets single-cylinder households, saving them from hopping between multiple retail shops during the festive period.

Verification Measure: To prevent commercial hoarding or misuse by dealers, officials will record identity details and phone numbers for every consumer availing of the exchange service.