Consumers in Bhairahawa Express Concern Over Shortage of LPG Gas in Local Markets

Bhairahawa. Consumers in the Bhairahawa area have expressed concern over the shortage of LPG gas observed in local markets. Although it is reported that there has been no reduction in gas imports, consumers in the market state that they are unable to obtain gas easily.

According to local consumers, a situation has arisen where they have to visit shop after shop all day for a single gas cylinder. They claim that gas retailers are turning consumers away, stating that their stock has run out. There are long queues of gas cylinders at the gas retailers.

Local resident Pradip Gyawali stated that despite waiting in line for a long time, he could not get cooking LPG gas. He mentioned that daily life is becoming difficult as the situation arises where gas is unavailable even for regular cooking.

Gas retailers also stated that the shortage is apparent because the company is not providing sufficient gas. They claim that they are unable to supply consumers as the supply does not meet the demand.

However, according to the Bhairahawa Customs Office, gas imports are proceeding regularly. According to Harihar Poudel, Chief Customs Officer at the Bhairahawa Customs Office, although there was a slight issue with imports a few days ago due to the elections, the situation has normalized now. It is reported that bullet tankers carrying gas continue to enter Nepal daily through the border point.

According to local gas retailers, the shortage in the market has appeared recently because consumers have started hoarding more gas than necessary in anticipation of a potential shortage. It is reported that gas cylinders, which used to sell in limited numbers daily, are now running out within a few hours.

In the border areas, attempts to transport gas cylinders from Nepal to India have also reportedly increased. Residents of the border areas say that gas cylinders are being smuggled from Nepal to India because the price of gas is higher and there is a shortage in the Indian market.

Rupandehi District Police Office Spokesperson Deputy Superintendent of Police Krishnakumar Chand informed that surveillance has been tightened keeping in mind the possibility of illegal transportation of gas across the border. According to him, checks have been intensified in the border areas.

Meanwhile, the Area Police Office, Belahiya, on the border, reported that some gas cylinders being taken towards India and being brought from India towards Nepal have been seized. The police stated that surveillance at the border has been increased and necessary steps have been taken to stop illegal transportation.