Nepal’s government announced Thursday it will implement cooking gas rationing measures beginning Friday as public anxiety over potential shortages grows amid ongoing Middle East conflicts.
The state-operated Nepal Oil Corporation will limit refills to half-capacity for empty cylinders in an effort to extend current liquefied petroleum gas inventory, according to executive director Chandika Prasad Bhatta.
The rationing decision comes as escalating tensions between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran have disrupted maritime traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz, leading to increased energy costs and reduced production from regional oil and gas suppliers.
Despite government reassurances about adequate LPG availability, citizens have been rushing to refilling stations, creating extensive lines at facilities across the nation.
“The rationing is expected to end the panic and rush for hoarding,” Bhatta explained to reporters.
Nepal relies entirely on India for its fuel imports, including cooking gas supplies. The Himalayan nation consumes approximately 45,000 cylinders monthly, each containing 14.2 kilograms of cooking gas, according to government data.
Corporation officials emphasized that supply chains remain uninterrupted despite regional instability.
“We are getting regular supply of fuel including the cooking gas according to our demands,” Bhatta confirmed.
The rationing policy aims to prevent hoarding behavior while maintaining steady distribution until public concerns subside.
