Residents of Chorkate in Siranchok Rural Municipality-4, Gorkha, have staged a protest over a prolonged shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), blocking traffic with empty cooking gas cylinders to draw attention to the supply crisis.

The protest was held on Tuesday after local residents said they had been facing an acute shortage of cooking gas since June/July (Ashar). According to them, available LPG supplies have largely been directed towards Gorkha Bazaar, leaving rural communities struggling to obtain cylinders for their daily needs.

Residents said the shortage has severely affected household activities, with families finding it increasingly difficult to prepare meals due to the lack of cooking gas.

Local resident Madan Shrestha said the area has been experiencing a serious gas shortage since Ashar, while whatever supply reaches the district is being prioritised for Gorkha Bazaar.

Residents accused local authorities and gas distributors of failing to address the uneven distribution of LPG despite repeated concerns from the community.

The Tuesday demonstration was described as a symbolic warning by protesters. Locals said they would intensify their protest if arrangements were not made to restore regular LPG supplies to Chorkate and surrounding areas.

“We are only issuing a warning today. If proper arrangements for gas are not made, we will launch a stern movement,” residents said.

The protest highlights the supply challenges faced by communities outside major market centres, where disruptions in transportation and distribution can quickly translate into shortages of essential household commodities.

Residents have demanded immediate intervention from the local administration and LPG distributors to ensure that cooking gas is distributed fairly between Gorkha Bazaar and rural areas.

The ongoing shortage has raised concerns about access to essential fuel in rural communities, particularly as households remain dependent on LPG for everyday cooking.