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Nepal imported its highest volume of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the past three months during the month of Falgun (mid-February to mid-March), even as consumers continue to report shortages in the market.

According to data from the Department of Customs, Nepal imported 51,192 tonnes of LPG in Falgun (mid-February to mid-March), an increase compared to 47,460 tonnes in Poush (mid-December to mid-January) and 46,285 tonnes in Magh (mid-January to mid-February).

Despite the rise in imports, supply constraints have persisted. The Nepal Oil Corporation has been implementing a half-cylinder distribution policy since March 12 following complaints from consumers about difficulty in accessing cooking gas.

Officials attribute the supply issues partly to disruptions linked to ongoing tensions in the Gulf region, which have affected imports in previous months. Data shows that LPG imports had declined during Poush and Magh compared to typical winter demand, when consumption usually rises.

On a year-on-year basis, LPG imports in Falgun increased by 3,438 tonnes compared to the same month last year.

Overall, Nepal imported a total of 372,282 tonnes of LPG between Shrawan and Falgun (mid-July and mid-March) in the current fiscal year, which is 10,187 tonnes higher than the corresponding period of the previous year, indicating a rise in cumulative imports despite recent supply challenges.