Dual Cylinder System: PM asks LPG traders to support govt move

KATHMANDU, SEP 30 -

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has urged liquefied petroleum gas ( LPG ) traders to support the government move to introduce the dual cylinder system.

The government plans to introduce the dual cylinder system (red for general consumers and blue for commercial users) from October 17 to ensure smooth supply and curb black marketing.

Inaugurating the general convention of the Gas Dealers’ Federation Nepal (GDFN) here on Saturday, the Prime Minister said the government’s move is aimed at ensuring smooth LPG supply.

The government, which had intended to enforce the system from August 17, had to postpone the plan following strong protests from LPG bottlers.

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has issued a notice to LPG bottlers twice to implement the dual cylinder system from the next month. The corporation has also decided to distribute LPG consumer cards from the same day.

Chief Secretary Leelamani Poudel said the government was committed to control irregularities and black marketing. He said the government will not spare anyone obstructing supplies and creating artificial shortage.

Former Supply Minister and UCPN (Maoist) leader Lekh Raj Bhatta stressed on the need for focusing on alternative energy, saying that the demand for petroleum has been growing at an alarming rate.

Source: The Kathmandu Post