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The shortage of cooking LPG gas in Pokhara, which began in the first week of Shrawan, has yet to ease despite gas companies claiming they have been regularly supplying the market.

Many consumers have been waiting for gas for days, while others say they have been unable to obtain a cylinder even after standing in long queues.

Gas companies, however, maintain that supplies are higher than in previous years.

The companies attribute the shortage to consumers stockpiling more cylinders than they need.

Griha Laxmi Gas said it sold 37,000 cylinders in Kaski in Shrawan last year, while it had already sent 47,000 cylinders to Pokhara by August 10 this year.

Despite the increased supply, queues have not shortened. Griha Laxmi Gas General Manager Bhim Lamichhane said the unusual demand was largely driven by consumers stockpiling gas out of concern that shortages could worsen as major festivals approach.

“Shrawan is generally a period of lower LPG consumption. But even though we have supplied more cylinders than last year, the shortage has persisted because consumers are storing gas,” Lamichhane said.

The government had earlier decided to distribute LPG in half-filled cylinders for nearly four months following tensions in the Middle East.

While the half-cylinder system kept the market relatively stable, demand surged after full 14.2-kg cylinders returned to the market, Lamichhane said.

Pokhara receives LPG cylinders from companies including Griha Laxmi, Shakti, Baba and Janaki.

Kaski Assistant Chief District Officer Chitrangad Baral said the nationwide increase in demand after the resumption of full-cylinder distribution had created temporary pressure on the market.

He said authorities were working to improve supply and distribution systems to balance rising demand with available supplies, while urging consumers not to stockpile more cylinders than necessary.

The district administration has also allowed grocery stores to sell LPG in an effort to improve availability and reduce consumer hardship.

“Gas is arriving regularly. Janaki Gas is sending 3,500 cylinders to Pokhara today. There should not be such a shortage in the market. The problem is being caused by stockpiling,” Baral said.

The administration said it is coordinating with LPG industries inside and outside Kaski as well as Nepal Oil Corporation to ensure adequate supplies across the district.