Kathmandu, September 8
The supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking has declined significantly in Kathmandu after landslides at Krishnabhir along the Prithvi Highway disrupted transportation.
After the landslide blocked the main highway, gas companies have had to transport LPG trucks via the Tribhuvan Highway as an alternative route. Business operators say the longer and more difficult route has made it impossible to bring in enough gas to meet market demand.
Due to the supply disruption, a total of only 18,259 LPG cylinders from nine gas companies reached dealers in Kathmandu Valley on Tuesday.
Diwan Chand, president of the LPG Industry Association, said demand for LPG in Kathmandu Valley has risen to around 100,000 cylinders per day in recent days. Under normal circumstances, daily demand stands at around 35,000 to 40,000 cylinders, he said.
According to data provided by the LPG Department of Nepal Oil Corporation, Sagarmatha Gas supplied the highest number of cylinders on Tuesday, sending 4,699 cylinders of the Sagar brand to the market through 60 dealers.
Everest Gas distributed 3,475 cylinders through its 28 dealers, while Sugam Gas supplied 2,423 cylinders to 15 dealers. STC Gas, owned by Salt Trading Corporation, distributed 2,146 cylinders through 44 dealers.
Among other companies, Sitashree supplied 1,600 cylinders to 11 dealers, while Shree Gas sent 1,960 cylinders through 18 dealers.
Similarly, Shreemaya Gas distributed 1,291 cylinders through 14 dealers, while Shriram Gas supplied a total of 360 cylinders to nine dealers. Manoj Gas sent only 305 cylinders to six dealers, according to the Nepal Oil Corporation.
With transportation delays and gas supplies far below demand, the distribution system has been severely affected for the time being. Consumers have been waiting in long queues at dealers and gas plants day and night in the hope of obtaining LPG cylinders.
