Er.energyNP@Gmail.com

A severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has gripped several areas of Siraha district, including Golbazar and Lahan, over the past few days, leaving thousands of consumers struggling to secure cooking fuel.

With gas cylinders becoming increasingly difficult to obtain, residents have been forced to arrive at LPG dealers early in the morning and wait in long queues for hours, carrying empty cylinders in the hope of receiving a refill.

Major distribution points, including LPG dealers in Golbazar Municipality–4, Raghunathpur Chowk of Lahan Municipality–3, and areas near the Road Division Office, have witnessed large crowds since early morning as frustrated consumers scramble to purchase gas.

The growing shortage has raised serious concerns, particularly as the Nepal Oil Corporation and the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies have repeatedly claimed that LPG stocks are sufficient across the country.

Despite these assurances, reports of artificial shortages have emerged in Kathmandu and various other parts of Nepal, triggering public outrage.

Consumers and stakeholders have accused traders of hoarding and engaging in black-market activities, while criticism is mounting against regulatory authorities for failing to effectively control illegal practices and ensure smooth supply.