NOC to Sell Half-Filled Cooking Gas Cylinders

The state-owned Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) announced on Thursday, March 12, that it will begin selling half-filled cooking gas cylinders from Friday to manage rising demand and discourage hoarding.

Under the arrangement, a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder containing 7.1 kg of gas — half the standard 14.2 kg — will be sold for Rs 955, half the regular price.

The corporation said the measure will remain in effect until further notice. It added that conflict in West Asia has disrupted global petroleum supply chains, increasing anxiety among consumers.

The situation has also raised concerns over shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route through which about 20 percent of global oil and petroleum products are transported.

In recent days, escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have disrupted energy supplies in the strategic route.

According to NOC, uncertainty surrounding global supply has prompted some consumers to purchase and store more LPG cylinders than necessary, contributing to increased demand in the market.

Demand for cooking gas in Kathmandu has already surged over the past two to three months, despite NOC’s claims that imports and distribution remain regular.

NOC had previously implemented a similar half-cylinder policy during the 2015 blockade by India, following the promulgation of Nepal’s constitution.