Nepal Oil Corporation Rules Out Resuming Full 14.2kg LPG Cylinder Sales Amid Supply Uncertainty

Kathmandu. Despite reports of sufficient cooking gas (LPG) stocks in the market, the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has stated it is not yet prepared to resume the sale of full 14.2kg cylinders.

Citing uncertainty in the international market and lack of supply guarantees, the corporation announced it will continue with the current practice of selling 7.1kg half-cylinders.

NOC spokesperson Manoj Thakur stated that while industry representatives claim gas is piling up in bullets and stocks are high, the corporation will not make new decisions without a full analysis of the situation.

He noted that the conflict in West Asia could disrupt the gas supply chain at any time. Spokesperson Thakur said, 'If we release 14.2kg cylinders into the market now, demand will spike immediately. If supply is disrupted due to international circumstances, who will guarantee it?'

According to him, the 7.1kg cylinders are currently meeting consumer demand, and with no significant complaints from the public, the corporation is not willing to take risks at this time.

Gas industry operators are pressuring the NOC to allow the sale of full cylinders, citing high inventory levels. However, the corporation stated it is investigating the reasons for the gas buildup and verifying the actual data.

According to the NOC, approximately 18,000 metric tons of gas entered Nepal in the first 15 days of April alone. Recalling past experiences where shortages occurred despite monthly imports of 40-50 thousand tons, the corporation stated it will not allow the current stable situation to deteriorate.