Dream of Gas Production: Nepal Moves Toward Energy Self-Reliancec

Kathmandu – Dreaming of development alone is not enough; preparation and implementation are equally essential to make that dream a reality. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli recalled that during his first tenure as the head of the government, the country faced a shortage of daily-use fuels, especially cooking gas, due to a blockade. To keep the morale of the Nepali people high, he had stated, “We will extract gas ourselves and ensure it reaches kitchens through pipelines.”

At that time, the government had initiated feasibility studies for gas extraction in Dailekh and had advanced the excavation work. Research conducted last year confirmed the presence of 112 billion cubic meters of methane gas. Following successful sample testing, a commercial production plan was also prepared. However, this work was halted after the government changed in Bhadra.

The former Prime Minister stated, “Once we return to government, we will fulfill the dream of producing our own gas and take concrete steps toward achieving energy self-reliance.”

Through this initiative, Nepal aims to become self-reliant in the face of challenges like blockades by producing energy based on domestic gas in the future.