Oct 12, Kathmandu - ​​​​​​​A shortage of cooking gas has been reported in Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal as the Dashain festival approaches. In Kathmandu’s Sifal area, consumers say they have been forced to wait in line for several days to obtain LPG cylinders.

Consumers have complained that gas is not available when promised. Some say they have been waiting for months with empty cylinders, while several gas shops remain closed.

Residents in Sifal also say they have had to pay Rs 50 to leave their cylinders outside overnight while waiting for gas.

To prevent shortages during Dashain, authorities have begun distributing gas and exchanging cylinders at six locations across the Kathmandu Valley. However, consumers say that despite assurances that empty cylinders from any company can be exchanged, some suppliers will accept only cylinders bearing their own brand.