“Fabricated” grocery items, LPG shortage: DoCSCP intensifies market inspection
The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection (DoCSCP) has intensified the inspection and monitoring of the market in the Kathmandu Valley following the shortage of LPG and grocery items.
Three separate teams, each comprising four members, have been deployed to inspect and monitor the market today, said Narahari Tiwari, director at the Department. LPG industries and grocery shops in the valley will be inspected, he added. Rising demand and short supply are to blame for the shortage, he said, adding that those found in promoting artificial shortage and black marketeering will be subject to punishment as per the laws.
Stockpiling ahead of the March 5 elections, cold, and India struggling to maintain the supply-demand system may be contributing to the scarcity, according to the Department. However, a week ago, the Nepal Oil Corporation has clarified that there was no shortage of LPG in the market.
According to a statement issued by the state-owned trading enterprise responsible for importing, storing and distributing petroleum products in Nepal, asked LPG industries to ensure the smooth supply of LPG in the market.
The NOC said 47,304 metric tonnes of gas were imported from Indian Oil Corporation in January this year. Previously, 47,264 metric tonnes of gas were imported in November, 2025, and 48,531 metric tonnes in December.
According to the NOC, Nepal consumes around 100,000 cylinders of LPG daily while demand is rising by around 15 percent for around two peak winter months. In the view of the upcoming elections, the Corporation said it has increased LPG orders by 2,000 tonnes for February alongside its monthly quota of 49,500 tonnes.
According to data, Nepal imported 274,805 tonnes of LPG amounting to Rs 27 billion in the first six months of the current fiscal year until mid-January. The import declined by nine percent compared to the same corresponding period last year. The last FY saw the import of 554,612 tonnes worth Rs 62.5 billion.
