Members of the Nepal LP Gas Association (NLPGA) have expressed frustration over the government’s failure to address their demands and have begun preparations for a renewed protest.
Shiva Prasad Ghimire, President of NLPGA, announced that all 59 gas industries across Nepal have decided to halt the purchase of delivery orders (PDOs) from Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) starting Sunday. If their concerns remain unaddressed, they will also stop loading LP gas bullets from Indian Oil Corporation refineries beginning next Saturday.
As part of their escalating protest plan, the NLPGA has declared that it will stop releasing gas bullets from customs starting March 14. If no resolution is reached, the distribution of gas will be halted from March 20, and gas dealers will cease sales from March 24.
The association previously submitted a memorandum to the government, but their concerns have yet to be addressed. According to the NLPGA, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, had assured them that their legitimate demands would be met within 15 days. Based on this commitment, the association had postponed its protest until February 27.
Key demands from the NLPGA include allocating 1% of LPG import revenue for public awareness campaigns on safety and proper usage. Additionally, they seek an immediate increase in dealer commissions, transportation costs, and overhead expenses, which have remained unchanged for the past six years. The association also calls for an annual adjustment of these costs in line with inflation to ensure the sector’s sustainability.
With the protest deadlines approaching, the government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of the gas industry and prevent potential disruptions in LPG supply across the country.
