Escalating Middle East tensions have prompted Nepal to slash LPG cylinder refills by 50%, a move designed to safeguard against looming shortages. The Nepal Oil Corporation mandates 7.1 kg fills instead of full 14.2 kg loads starting Friday, targeting prolonged stock sustainability.
Board deliberations Thursday drew lessons from 2015-2020 gas famines, where rationing proved vital. Deputy Director Manoj Kumar Thakur noted prolonged talks with the industry ministry followed surging complaints. ‘It’s a preventive action for equitable access,’ he affirmed.
Panic buying has overwhelmed centers, with hours-long waits reported across regions. The rule binds households and eateries, promoting conservation despite uninterrupted Indian imports. Nepal’s road-haul dependency on neighbor India exposes it to geopolitical ripples.
Authorities repeatedly affirm sufficient reserves, yet hoarding persists, risking system overload. This half-measure echoes historical resilience, ensuring no household goes without while monitoring flux in petroleum markets.
Long-term, the policy spotlights Nepal’s energy import perils. Middle East strife could cascade into higher costs and delays, prompting calls for diversification. For now, rationing buys breathing room, tempering immediate threats with strategic foresight amid international uncertainties.