Consumers Queue for Hours for LPG in Siraha Despite Corporation’s Claim of Adequate Supply
Dragon Media Correspondent
An acute shortage of liquefied petroleum gas has been reported in Golbazar, Lahan and several other areas of Siraha district in recent days. Consumers have been forced to carry empty cylinders to local dealers early in the morning and wait in line for hours because cooking gas is not readily available.
Long queues of consumers have been seen since morning at gas dealerships in Golbazar Municipality–4, Raghunathpur Chowk in Lahan Municipality–3 and near the Division Roads Office. Some consumers have complained that they were unable to obtain gas even after waiting for several hours.
Irregular supplies have affected daily cooking as well as the operation of hotels, tea shops and other small businesses. Consumers are also facing additional transport costs and loss of time as they are required to visit dealerships repeatedly with empty cylinders.
Similar complaints have emerged from Kathmandu, Pokhara and other major cities across the country. Large crowds have gathered at dealerships whenever limited numbers of cylinders arrive.
The Nepal Oil Corporation, however, has maintained that there is no actual shortage of LPG in the market. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the corporation said imports and distribution remained regular and would continue without interruption.
According to the corporation, market demand increased sharply after the distribution of fully filled 14.2-kilogram cylinders began following a decision taken by its board on July 15.
The corporation said temporary difficulties had appeared in some areas because consumers were purchasing and storing more cylinders than necessary.
It also stated that LPG imports for the current month had been increased in response to higher demand. Consumers have been urged to purchase only the quantity they need and avoid unnecessary stockpiling.
A clear contradiction remains between the corporation’s claim that adequate gas is available and the long queues seen outside dealerships. Local consumers have called on the corporation, gas industries and local administration to ensure regular and convenient supplies in practice rather than relying solely on official supply figures.
