Er.energyNP@Gmail.com

A shortage of cooking gas has been reported in the Himalayan districts of Kalikot and Jumla, forcing consumers to wait for hours in long queues carrying empty cylinders.

In Kalikot, the scarcity of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has prompted many residents to start arranging firewood as an alternative for cooking.

Meanwhile, in Jumla Bazaar, irregular gas supply has resulted in long queues of consumers in front of shops and depots from early morning.

Ganesh Dhamala, a resident of Manma, district headquarters of Kalikot, said that signs of gas shortage have begun to appear in the market.

He said discussions are ongoing among locals regarding both rumours and the reality of the shortage, with many people saying they may have to start collecting firewood if LPG becomes unavailable.

However, gas distributor Nanda Bahadur Shahi in Kalikot said that the shortage is largely due to panic buying.

According to him, many consumers have been exchanging even the empty cylinders stored at home to keep extra stock after hearing rumours about a possible shortage.

He urged consumers not to panic, stating that supply of gas is on its way from Surkhet.

In Jumla Bazaar, however, the situation appears more severe. Women, children and elderly people have been seen waiting in line with gas cylinders at different locations in the market.

Ram Bahadur Rawat, a resident of Jumla Bazaar, said the long queues themselves prove that the shortage is real and not merely a rumour.

Consumers have complained that reduced gas supply over the past few days has made daily cooking difficult.

Trader Dhan Prasad Neupane of Khalekhola in Jumla said the gas shortage has continued for about a week.

He said he has heard that the recent tensions and conflict in the Middle East have also affected Nepal, as disruptions in the international supply system have slowed the transportation and supply of gas.

Neupane said that gas sellers and depots have said that there have been delays in gas transportation and supply as the impact has seen Nepal.

"The problem is even worse in remote districts like Kalikot and Jumla when gas is not available as per demand," said a local.

"We get gas only after waiting in line for hours, sometimes we don't get it for days," said a consumer.

Locals have demanded that the concerned bodies take immediate steps to ensure regular gas supply.

There is concern among the general public that daily life will be further affected as the gas shortage in the market continues.

By Prem Raj Simkhada