Nepal LPG Industry Urges Consumers to Stop Hoarding Gas Cylinders as Imports Rise

The Nepal LP Gas Industry Association has urged consumers across the country not to purchase or store more LPG cylinders than they actually need, saying the supply situation is improving as imports continue to increase.

The association said LPG is currently being imported smoothly from India and gas companies are continuously refilling and distributing cylinders to meet market demand.

According to association chairman Diwan Bahadur Chand, consumers do not need to panic-buy LPG cylinders.

He said that if consumers avoid purchasing additional cylinders unnecessarily, the current shortage-like situation can be resolved quickly.

The association has also stated that there is no immediate possibility of a major LPG shortage in the coming days, provided consumers purchase gas according to their actual needs.

LPG Imports From India Increase

The recent increase in LPG imports has been attributed to efforts by Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) to improve supply.

According to the corporation, LPG imports from various refineries in India have increased by around 15 percent.

Nepal imported approximately 39,774 metric tons of LPG during the first 22 days of Shrawan, according to the figures provided by the corporation.

Based on the current import rate, around 55,000 metric tons of LPG could be imported during the entire month of Shrawan.

The increase is expected to help maintain adequate LPG supplies in the domestic market.

Imports Higher Than Last Year

The latest figures also indicate that LPG imports are currently higher than during the same period of the previous fiscal year.

During the corresponding period last year, Nepal imported around 44,318 metric tons of LPG.

The industry association says the increased import volume demonstrates that efforts are being made to maintain adequate supplies despite concerns among consumers.

The association has therefore called on the public to rely on normal purchasing patterns instead of creating additional demand through unnecessary stockpiling.

Consumers Urged Not to Panic-Buy

Concerns about LPG availability can lead consumers to purchase additional cylinders for storage.

However, the industry association says such behaviour can itself contribute to temporary shortages because increased demand places additional pressure on distributors and retailers.

The association has urged consumers to purchase LPG based on their household requirements and avoid keeping unnecessary additional cylinders.

It believes that normal consumer behaviour will help ensure that available supplies are distributed more efficiently.

Retailers Asked to Prioritize Household Consumers

Along with consumers, the association has also issued a message to LPG retailers.

Retailers have been requested to prioritize the sale and distribution of LPG cylinders to domestic consumers.

The association said the industry is making efforts to supply gas according to market demand and that retailers have an important role in ensuring that household consumers receive cylinders without unnecessary delays.

No Immediate Supply Crisis Expected

The association's latest statement comes amid concerns over LPG availability in parts of Nepal.

However, the industry body has sought to reassure consumers that imports are continuing and cylinders are being refilled and distributed regularly.

With imports expected to reach around 55,000 metric tons during Shrawan, the industry believes the supply situation should remain manageable.

Consumers have therefore been advised to remain calm and avoid unnecessary purchases.

What Consumers Should Do

The LPG industry has effectively asked consumers to follow a simple approach:

• Purchase LPG according to household requirements.
• Avoid unnecessarily storing additional cylinders.
• Do not panic-buy because of temporary shortages.
• Allow retailers to distribute cylinders according to demand.
• Follow official information regarding LPG supply.

If consumers and retailers cooperate, the association believes the existing supply concerns can be addressed more quickly.

LPG Supply Remains a Key Consumer Concern

LPG is one of the most important household fuels in Nepal, making regular supply essential for millions of families.

Any disruption in imports, transportation or distribution can quickly affect consumers and create concerns about availability.

The latest increase in imports from India is therefore significant for maintaining supply across the country.

The Nepal LP Gas Industry Association has reiterated that the industry is working to ensure regular distribution and has urged consumers to cooperate by avoiding unnecessary stockpiling.

For now, the association says there is no reason for consumers to panic about an LPG shortage, with imports increasing and supplies continuing to reach the market.