Following the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa and the subsequent road collapse at Krishnabhir in Dhading, the transport of LPG gas to the Kathmandu Valley has been halted. According to the Nepal LPG Industry Association, even though gas refilling is ongoing in Chitwan, Nawalparasi, and Parsa, the daily demand of 40,000 cylinders in the valley has not been met. Consumers in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Gorkha have been rushing to dealers with empty cylinders and some have even protested by placing cylinders on the road.
September 1, Kathmandu – The ongoing shortage of cooking LPG gas continues to deepen across the federal capital Kathmandu Valley and various other districts. The devastating flood on August 26 on the Rasuwa Bhotekoshi River temporarily disrupted the gas and petroleum supply system in Kathmandu. After the Bhotekoshi River merged into the Trishuli River, the road at Krishnabhir in Dhading along the Prithvi Highway was washed away, blocking the main route to Kathmandu.
The gas shortage has also affected stove operations, leading local residents to warn of strong protests. Many gas dealers in Kathmandu have closed their shops, while some have posted notices due to uncertainty regarding gas availability. Nepal Oil Corporation and the Nepal LPG Industry Association have arranged alternative refilling facilities in the Terai region.
Divan Chand, president of the Nepal LPG Industry Association, stated, “Gas is being refilled in Chitwan, Nawalparasi, and Parsa, but the route to Kathmandu is blocked, causing difficulty. The daily demand is 40,000 cylinders, but only about 10,000 can be brought in. Small trucks are trying to bring gas, but the volume remains insufficient.” The Gas Sellers Federation of Nepal also reported that dealers have been unable to supply consumers due to the road closure preventing delivery.
