Nepal Oil Corporation debunks LPG shortage rumors, Says supply exceeding demand

KATHMANDU: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has dismissed widespread rumors of a cooking gas shortage in the market, releasing official data to show that LPG supply is currently higher than national demand and urging consumers not to panic-buy or hoard cylinders.

NOC Executive Director Dr. Chandika Prasad Bhatta made the clarification while unveiling recent supply figures, stating that misinformation about a gas shortage has unnecessarily created anxiety among consumers. He emphasized that the country’s supply chain remains stable and fully functional.

According to NOC, Nepal’s average daily demand for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stands at around 90 bullets, which equals approximately 114,000 cylinders per day. However, recent loading data from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) — Nepal’s sole external LPG supplier — shows that shipments have significantly exceeded this requirement.

Dr. Bhatta said that on Saturday, IOC loaded 118 bullets, equivalent to about 149,500 cylinders of LPG for Nepal. Similarly, on Monday, 115 bullets — or approximately 145,700 cylinders — were dispatched, while on Tuesday, loading rose further to 132 bullets, equal to roughly 167,300 cylinders.

“These figures clearly demonstrate that LPG supply into Nepal is more than adequate,” Bhatta said. “The narrative of shortage circulating in the market is baseless.”

He clarified that a portion of the loaded bullets has already entered Nepal, while others are currently in transit through the supply corridor. The corporation expects uninterrupted flow in the coming days as well.

Importantly, NOC has assured that gas supply will remain regular even during the upcoming election period, countering speculation that logistical disruptions or political activities could hamper distribution. The corporation said coordination with IOC and transport operators has been strengthened to ensure continuity.

Despite this, panic-driven purchasing behavior has begun surfacing in some urban areas, with households attempting to store extra cylinders. NOC warned that such actions could create artificial market pressure, even when actual supply is comfortable.

“Supply is smooth and sufficient. There is no reason to store unnecessary cylinders at home,” Bhatta stressed. “Hoarding will only distort distribution patterns and may create localized shortages that are not reflective of the real situation.”

NOC said its monitoring mechanisms show no disruption in depot operations, transportation, or bottling plant activity. The corporation has also directed LPG distributors and dealers to maintain regular sales and prevent black-marketing or price manipulation.

Officials believe that the rumor may have spread due to isolated transportation delays in previous weeks and heightened public sensitivity around essential commodities. However, NOC insists that the present supply metrics reflect a stable inventory position.

Energy market analysts note that Nepal’s LPG consumption has steadily grown due to urbanization and dependence on imported fuel for household cooking. This makes market confidence crucial, as even minor misinformation can trigger panic buying.

NOC reiterated that the supply chain from IOC refineries to Nepalese bottling plants is operating normally. The corporation maintains buffer stocks and daily tracking of inbound shipments to prevent disruption.

The corporation also warned that unnecessary accumulation of cylinders at the household level can disrupt the cylinder circulation cycle, slowing refilling and redistribution efficiency.

With supply exceeding demand and transport logistics intact, NOC has called on consumers to remain calm and purchase LPG only as required.

“Artificial demand created by fear is more dangerous than actual supply problems,” Bhatta said, adding that the corporation remains on standby to respond to any real disruptions if they arise.