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As the shortage of cooking LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) intensifies in the Nepali market, the market and demand for electric stoves have been steadily increasing. Consumers have not been able to obtain gas cylinders easily. In some areas, there are widespread reports of limited supply and black market activities.

Rising tensions in the Middle East - particularly the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States - are increasing instability in the global energy supply chain. As a result, the supply of LPG, considered essential in Nepali household kitchens, has started to become uncertain.

Most households in Nepal rely on LPG for cooking. As the gas shortage worsens, a new debate on energy security has begun. This situation has further highlighted the need to shift toward alternative energy sources in the long term.

In such a situation, Nepal should view it not only as a challenge but also as an important opportunity. This is a crucial moment to reduce dependence on imported gas and increase the consumption of electricity produced within the country.

It is the right time to raise public awareness about the importance of electricity generated from domestic sources such as hydropower, solar, and wind. This situation calls for clearly communicating to citizens that clean energy produced in Nepal is not only for industrial use and export, but can also be widely utilized in everyday household life.

The current circumstances are also highly favorable for promoting electric vehicles and identifying and publicizing other potential sectors where electricity consumption can be increased - not just in household kitchens. The plans of the new government and political parties, as well as upcoming policies and laws, should focus on this direction.

Nepal is a country with vast potential for hydropower generation. At present, Nepal’s installed electricity capacity is around 4,000 megawatts. Due to low domestic consumption, Nepal has been compelled to export surplus electricity.

If electricity use can be increased even in household cooking, the domestic market will expand and energy security will be strengthened. Expanding the use of domestic energy can significantly reduce the country’s large foreign currency expenditure on imported fuels and help Nepal achieve long-term energy self-reliance.

Electric Stove Sales Rise

As consumers struggle to obtain gas, they have started inquiring about electric stoves. The number of people asking about and purchasing electric stoves is increasing at government-run trade offices as well as in retail and wholesale shops.

In Bouddha, Kathmandu, an electrical appliances shop owner says their business has been growing. According to them, as the gas shortage has started to be felt, the number of customers inquiring about stoves, electric kettles, and rice cookers has increased.

Business owners also note that demand for electric stoves has particularly risen among college students. Most students living in rented single rooms typically have only one gas cylinder. When it runs out, it is difficult to get a replacement immediately, and with shortages in the market, they are forced to look for alternatives.

As a result, in recent days, inquiries and sales of small electrical appliances such as electric stoves, electric kettles, and rice cookers have been increasing, according to traders.

According to data from the Department of Customs, 132,000 induction stoves were imported in the first seven months of the current fiscal year. In the same period last year, 111,600 electric stoves were imported, the department’s data shows.

Urjasanchar