KATHMANDU: A shortage of cooking gas has persisted in the capital Kathmandu market for nearly two weeks, with the scarcity of Nepal Gas becoming particularly severe.

The situation has caused significant hardship for consumers.Consumers are facing an acute gas shortage after timely supplies from India failed to reach Nepal.

With Nepal Gas unavailable at sales outlets for the past two weeks, hundreds of consumers have been visiting the company’s office at the Balaju Industrial Area every day, carrying empty cylinders in the hope of obtaining refills.

However, consumers complain that even after reaching the office, they are unable to obtain gas. Gas distribution at the office is limited from morning until 2:00 pm, during which hundreds of consumers are forced to stand in long queues daily.

Following complaints from consumers, the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) said it has taken note of the situation. The corporation stated that rumors of an impending gas shortage have prompted stockpiling by consumers, further disrupting supply.

The NOC said that the shortage is limited to cylinders from a few specific companies and has directed those industries to ensure immediate and smoother supply.

Keeping the upcoming March 05 elections in mind, the NOC has claimed to have issued bottler-wise allocations to import an additional 2,000 metric tons of gas beyond the regular quota. The NOC has urged consumers not to stockpile gas and to purchase only as needed.