India Signals Support to Supply 160 Additional LPG Bullets to Nepal
Nepal's Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies reports that India is likely to provide 160 extra LPG bullets to ease the cooking gas shortage. Diplomatic efforts aim to raise monthly supply from 50,000 to over 60,000 metric tons, with distribution targets of 50,000 cylinders daily.
KATHMANDU, Sept 16 — The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) has indicated that the Government of India is positively inclined toward providing 160 additional gas bullets to help Nepal address its ongoing cooking gas shortage.
Speaking at an event organized by the National Consumers' Forum in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Ministry Spokesperson and Joint Secretary Jitendra Basnet said diplomatic efforts are underway to increase the monthly supply from 50,000 metric tons to over 60,000 metric tons. "In this regard, Indian authorities have expressed a positive response to provide 160 additional gas bullets to solve the crisis seen in the valley," he stated.
Basnet also noted that efforts are being made to open the road at Krishnabhir for two-way traffic. "Once gas bullets start entering the valley, the situation will ease, and distribution will resume at the standard rates."
He added that the government aims to bring in 50,000 cylinders daily, but actual distribution currently ranges between 35,000 and 50,000 cylinders. Empty cylinders from Kathmandu are being transported by truck to industries in the Terai region, refilled through three-shift operations, and then brought back via the Tribhuvan Highway.
Meanwhile, the MoICS has urged the public to avoid unnecessary queuing and stockpiling of cooking gas. It has also asked distributors to prioritize:
- Individuals who own only one cylinder
- Students living in rented accommodation
- New mothers and pregnant women
- Low-income groups