A decision by the Nepal Oil Corporation to supply cooking gas in half-cylinder quantities reflects mounting pressure from distribution disruptions that have made the fuel difficult for many households to obtain.
Across several distribution centers, consumers carrying empty cylinders have been seen waiting for extended periods, hoping to secure gas that has recently become scarce at the retail level. The difficulty persists even as authorities maintain that national stock levels remain adequate.
The immediate challenge appears to lie in the distribution chain rather than overall supply. As access tightened, many households reported visiting multiple depots without success, turning the search for cooking gas into a daily struggle.
Responding to the growing frustration, Nepal Oil Corporation announced on Friday that gas would temporarily be provided in half-cylinder portions. Officials indicated that the measure is intended to spread available stock among a larger number of consumers while the distribution system stabilizes.
Some consumers also point to the possibility that supply tensions in international markets linked to developments in the Middle East may eventually influence domestic availability. For now, the priority for authorities remains improving distribution so households can regain consistent access to cooking gas.
