Nepal Oil Corporation has stated that the surge in gas demand is driven by consumers panic-buying, but it claims that supply will stabilize within the next 15 days. Acting Executive Director Deepak Baral informed a parliamentary committee that the current gas demand has risen from 47,000 tons to 60,000 tons. The corporation is taking initiatives with Indian Oil Corporation to increase supply, and with daily shipments of 110 to 115 gas bullets underway, the corporation expects the issue to be resolved soon. Kathmandu, 20 Shrawan.
The Nepal Oil Corporation has expressed concern over an unusual increase in the demand for cooking LPG gas in the market, assuring that supply will normalize within 10 to 15 days. During a meeting of the Federal Strengthening and National Concern Committee of the National Assembly at Singha Durbar on Wednesday, Acting Executive Director Deepak Baral explained that although technical problems combined with consumers’ panic buying led to a challenging situation, full stabilization of gas supply is expected within two weeks.
According to the corporation, normal demand is approximately 47,000 tons, but it has now increased to 60,000 tons. Efforts to increase supply from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) are ongoing. “Previously, we requested a demand of 49,000 tons for at least two months, but now demand has risen to 60,000 tons,” Baral said. “Although IOC stated they could provide only 49,500 tons, we have insisted on securing at least 55,000 tons by any means.”
While IOC has not fully approved the 55,000-ton demand, it has increased bullet loadings, Baral noted. The corporation attributes market gas shortages primarily to consumers hoarding gas out of panic. Discussions with consumer rights activists suggest that if 60,000 tons of gas can be secured for two months, considering the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals, and empty cylinders refilled at homes, market pressure will ease, Baral added.
However, the corporation also mentioned technical and transportation limitations in immediately increasing supply as per the current demand. “We are currently unable to manage the bullet truck fleet expansion promptly, and even if we request, IOC cannot increase refinery production,” Baral explained. “Following a fire in the Haldia pipeline, production there has also been affected. These various reasons have caused difficulties in maintaining supply.” Nevertheless, the corporation affirmed its commitment to ensuring smooth gas supply. “Previously, we used to load 80 bullets daily; now, through improved management, 110 to 115 bullets are being loaded daily,” Baral claimed. “Supply continues accordingly, and we are optimistic that within the next 8 to 15 days, we will fully manage the gas supply.”
