NOC limits LPG sales to half-cylinders amid soaring demand

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has unveiled a new strategy to balance rising domestic demand and supply of cooking gas (LPG).

Under the latest directive, consumers will now only be able to purchase half-filled cylinders.

Over the past few months, LPG demand in Nepal has surged abnormally, prompting NOC to limit sales to 7.1 kilograms per cylinder.

The price for a half-filled cylinder has been set at Rs 955.

According to the corporation, the sharp rise in domestic consumption, coupled with global supply disruptions caused by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, has created significant challenges for the petroleum and gas supply chain. While regular imports and distribution continue, NOC has introduced the half-cylinder measure to prevent potential shortages in the future.

To ease supply pressure, the corporation has urged consumers to increase the use of electric stoves. “Promoting electricity use is the best way to reduce dependence on imported gas while boosting domestic energy consumption,” NOC stated.

Additionally, the corporation has advised households against stockpiling LPG unnecessarily.

Families that consume only one cylinder per month are requested to buy only the required quantity, preventing artificial shortages and ensuring fair access for all consumers.

NOC believes this short-term measure will help maintain equitable distribution of LPG nationwide.