LP Gas Supply in Kathmandu Valley Disrupted After Trishuli River Flood Damages Prithvi Highway

Kathmandu Valley is facing challenges in the supply and distribution of LPG gas after severe flooding along the Trishuli River damaged a section of the Prithvi Highway at Krishnabhir. The road obstruction has forced gas suppliers to use longer alternative routes, increasing transportation costs and affecting the normal distribution of LPG cylinders.

According to the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association, the disruption began after the flood washed away part of the highway in the Krishnabhir area on August 30. Since then, transporting LPG cylinders to Kathmandu and nearby districts has become increasingly difficult.

Alternative Routes Being Used to Maintain LPG Supply

Following the highway disruption, the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association held discussions to maintain the supply of cooking gas in Kathmandu Valley.

As an alternative arrangement, gas companies supplying Kathmandu have been permitted to refill LPG cylinders through industries located in Makwanpur, Parsa, Bara, Chitwan, Nawalparasi and Dhanusha before transporting the cylinders to the Valley through alternative road networks.

The move is intended to prevent a shortage of cooking gas while the main highway remains obstructed.

Transportation Cost Rises Due to Longer Route

The use of alternative routes has significantly increased the cost of transporting LPG cylinders.

The association said that transporting gas from Sahara Gas Industry in Hetauda to Kathmandu, a route of approximately 131 kilometers, adds an estimated Rs. 93.26 per cylinder in transportation expenses.

After applicable taxes and other charges are included, the additional transportation cost has been set at Rs. 105.38 per cylinder.

LPG Price Set at Maximum Rs. 2,165.38 Per Cylinder

The Nepal LP Gas Industry Association has urged designated gas companies not to impose transportation charges exceeding the approved amount.

Based on the existing LPG price of Rs. 2,060 per cylinder, suppliers have been asked to add a maximum of Rs. 105.38 for additional transportation costs.

As a result, the association has requested that LPG cylinders be sold and distributed in Kathmandu Valley for no more than Rs. 2,165.38 per cylinder during the disruption.

Consumers have also been advised to remain cautious and avoid paying prices above the amount prescribed by the association.

Association Urges Against Hoarding and New Cylinder Marketing

The association has also called on LPG industries, gas dealers and retailers to act responsibly during the difficult supply situation.

In a statement issued by association chairman Diwan Bahadur Chand on Thursday, stakeholders were urged to avoid marketing new cylinders, particularly considering the difficulties created by the damaged highway and ongoing transportation challenges.

The appeal is aimed at ensuring that available LPG supplies are distributed efficiently and preventing unnecessary pressure on the market.

Consumers Asked Not to Pay Excessive Prices

With transportation routes disrupted, consumers in Kathmandu Valley may be concerned about possible LPG shortages and price increases.

However, the association has assured consumers that alternative transportation arrangements have been made to continue bringing LPG into the Valley.

Consumers have therefore been requested not to pay more than the prescribed price and to report or avoid transactions involving excessive charges.

Flood Damage Continues to Affect Essential Supplies

The disruption to LPG transportation highlights the wider impact of flooding and infrastructure damage on essential goods in Nepal.

The Prithvi Highway is a major transportation route connecting Kathmandu with several parts of the country. Damage to key sections of the highway can affect the movement of fuel, food, construction materials and other essential commodities.

Authorities and businesses are now relying on alternative routes to keep supplies moving while efforts continue to address the road obstruction.

What Kathmandu Valley Consumers Should Know

For LPG consumers in Kathmandu Valley:

• The regular LPG price is Rs. 2,060 per cylinder.
• An additional transportation charge of up to Rs. 105.38 per cylinder has been allowed due to the road disruption.
• The maximum requested selling price is therefore Rs. 2,165.38 per cylinder.
• Consumers have been advised not to pay more than the prescribed amount.
• Alternative routes are being used to maintain LPG supplies.
• Gas industries and retailers have been urged to avoid unnecessary marketing of new cylinders during the disruption.

The Trishuli River flood and resulting damage to the Prithvi Highway have disrupted the normal flow of LPG supplies into Kathmandu Valley. While longer alternative routes have increased transportation expenses, arrangements have been made to keep cooking gas available to consumers.

With the additional transportation charge capped at Rs. 105.38 per cylinder, the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association has asked suppliers and retailers to maintain responsible pricing and ensure that consumers can access LPG without unnecessary financial burden.