Nepal is experiencing a growing shortage of cooking gas as global petroleum supply chains are disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Urban residents, in particular, are struggling to secure sufficient LPG for daily use, prompting the government to introduce measures such as half-cylinder allocations to manage the scarcity.
Despite these challenges in cities, rural communities in the Terai region remain largely unaffected. Villagers continue to use traditional cow dung fuel, or “gointha”, for cooking, a practice rooted in local culture and livestock farming. In these areas, households produce and store gointa throughout the year, ensuring a steady supply of cooking fuel even amid urban shortages. Residents emphasise that the fuel is not only practical but also tied to cultural and religious traditions, being used in festivals, rituals, and daily cooking.
To manage the limited LPG supply, the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has instructed distributors and retailers to prioritise domestic users and maintain daily records of gas sales, including consumer names, contact information, and quantities purchased. The NOC has also arranged to sell 14.2 kg LPG cylinders at half price to ensure accessibility for households. These measures aim to prevent hoarding, streamline distribution, and guarantee that actual users receive gas during the shortage.
Despite the global disruption, the NOC has emphasised that regular supply and distribution of petroleum and LPG in Nepal will continue, and the corporation is coordinating with local distributors to maintain service. Urban households are encouraged to purchase LPG only as needed, while the half-price cylinder system seeks to ease the pressure on consumers and ensure fair access during the crisis.
This situation highlights the contrast between urban dependency on commercial fuel and rural resilience through traditional energy practices, underscoring the importance of diversified fuel sources during global supply shocks.