Kathmandu, October 13
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) producers have announced that they will end the joint sale and distribution of gas cylinders of all brands in the Kathmandu Valley, a system introduced during the Dashain festival to make supplies more convenient for consumers.
Under the temporary arrangement introduced on Sunday, consumers could exchange an empty cylinder of any brand for a filled one at a designated sales outlet of their convenience.
The producers initially sold gas at six outlets on Sunday and expanded the number to 11 on Monday by adding five more locations. Although the arrangement was initially announced to continue until October 17, a notice issued the following day said sales would run only until October 16.
On Tuesday, the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association announced that the exchange and sale arrangement would now continue only until Wednesday, October 14.
Association Chairperson Diwan Chand said the joint sales system would end on Wednesday, with regular distribution through dealers resuming on Thursday. He said the arrangement needed to end to ensure regular supplies through dealers on Thursday and Friday.
The association claimed that gas supplies were smooth and there was no shortage in the market. It said imports from various Indian refineries through the Nepal Oil Corporation were proceeding smoothly.
The association urged consumers to purchase gas from their nearest dealers once regular distribution resumes.
Long queues have formed at all 11 designated outlets. Consumers have faced additional inconvenience because gas is being sold at selected locations rather than through nearby dealers.
