LPG Imports Remain Strong Despite Kathmandu Supply Disruption
A landslide-induced highway blockage has disrupted the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Kathmandu, prompting gas companies to shift bottling operations to plants outside the Valley and transport filled cylinders through alternative routes. The Prithvi Highway at Krishna Bhir in Dhading was damaged following floods in Rasuwa, preventing LPG bullets bound for Kathmandu from reaching the Valley and affecting supplies at several outlets. In response, companies have begun filling cylinders at plants in Chitwan, Birgunj, Nawalparasi, Hetauda and other districts. Several firms have already dispatched thousands of filled cylinders to Kathmandu, while the Nepal Oil Corporation has allowed companies to bottle LPG outside the Valley. Sixteen gas industries in Kathmandu and neighbouring districts are coordinating with plants in Bara, Parsa, Chitwan, Makwanpur and Nawalparasi to maintain supplies. Around 40 percent of Nepal’s LPG consumption takes place in Kathmandu Valley, and some outlets have already reported queues. Gas officials, however, say the disruption is a transportation and bottling challenge rather than an overall shortage. Nepal imported a record 60,200 metric tonnes of LPG from India last month, with imports continuing at a similar pace. Authorities are working to clear the landslide and restore road connectivity, while gas companies continue using alternative arrangements to keep Kathmandu supplied.
