A shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Kathmandu Valley has pushed the price of cooking gas well above the government-fixed rate, with some consumers reportedly paying as much as Rs. 3,000 per cylinder.

The government has fixed the price of an LPG cylinder at Rs. 2,165. However, consumers say some dealers are charging between Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 3,000 amid continuing supply disruptions.

The shortage has intensified after landslides damaged the Prithvi Highway at Krishnabhir, disrupting a key supply route into the Valley following floods in Rasuwa.

To maintain LPG supplies, cylinders from industries in Kathmandu, Dhading and Kavrepalanchok are being transported through alternative routes to refilling plants in Bara, Parsa, Makwanpur, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Dhanusha and Mahottari before being brought back to the Kathmandu Valley.

LPG dealers say the disruption has significantly increased transportation costs. Gehendra Prasad Rijal, First Vice-President of Gahas Bikreta Mahasangh Nepal, said dealers have had to travel to the Tarai themselves because industries have been unable to supply them directly.

According to Rijal, additional transportation costs range from approximately Rs. 325 to Rs. 450 per cylinder, depending on the vehicle used. However, he said charging consumers Rs. 2,800 to Rs. 3,000 per cylinder cannot be justified by the additional transport costs.

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has received complaints about LPG dealers selling cylinders above the prescribed price. The department has deployed two monitoring teams specifically to inspect LPG sales and investigate complaints.

Officials said some consumers have reported being charged Rs. 2,600 or more. However, enforcement becomes difficult when complaints do not include details such as the dealer's name, address or other identifying information.

The supply shortage is particularly significant given Kathmandu Valley's daily demand. The Valley is estimated to require more than 100,000 LPG cylinders per day, while current supply is reportedly below 20% of demand.

Police data show that around 169,530 LPG cylinders entered the Valley through Nagdhunga between August 31 and Tuesday, highlighting the continuing pressure on the Valley's LPG supply system.

For consumers, the shortage has left limited alternatives, with many forced to pay significantly higher prices simply to maintain regular household cooking.