LPG Gas Alert: Government Launches Crackdown on Artificial Shortage

The government has intensified its crackdown on businesses suspected of creating an artificial shortage of cooking LPG gas and exploiting consumers. Although there has been no disruption in LPG imports from India, sudden shortages reported in the market have prompted the Home Ministry and Ministry of Industry to jointly deploy plainclothes police at gas depots and distribution centers across the Kathmandu Valley. The move follows growing complaints that some sellers have been returning customers with empty cylinders despite having gas in stock and secretly selling cylinders at inflated prices. Industry Minister Gauri Yadav expressed serious concern over the situation and urged Home Minister Sudan Gurung to take immediate action, stating that creating an artificial crisis despite a smooth supply would not be tolerated. Responding to the complaints, plainclothes police have been conducting surveillance from Sunday morning, posing as customers to monitor the activities of gas distributors and retailers. Sellers found hoarding LPG, deliberately creating shortages, turning away customers despite having stock, or charging prices above the government-set rate will face legal action. The Home Ministry has warned that any depot or distributor found engaging in malpractice will be taken into custody and subjected to strict legal proceedings. Based on the outcome of the Kathmandu Valley monitoring, the government is also preparing to deploy plainclothes police in other districts if necessary to maintain a stable LPG supply. Authorities have urged consumers not to panic, as overall supply remains normal, and have encouraged the public to immediately report any suspected black marketing or overpricing to the relevant authorities.