In a bid to manage the ongoing scarcity of cooking gas, the government has decided to implement a rationing system. Starting this Friday, March 13 (Falgun 30), the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) will distribute only half-filled cylinders (7.1 kg) to consumers.
The decision was finalized during a board meeting of the corporation on Thursday afternoon. This move follows weeks of extreme shortages in the market, where consumers have been seen in long queues despite the NOC’s claims that imports from India remain regular.
Gas Price in Nepal
The shift from the standard 14.2 kg cylinder to 7.1 kg is a temporary measure designed to double the number of available units in the market and discourage hoarding.
| Feature | Regular Cylinder | New Rationed Cylinder |
| Weight | 14.2 kg | 7.1 kg |
| Price | Rs 1,910 | Rs 955 |
| Effective Date | – | Friday, March 13, 2026 |
Why the Shortage?
While NOC officials maintain that supply from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is sufficient, two major factors have triggered the current crisis:
- Middle East Tensions: Rising conflict in West Asia has sparked fears of a global fuel disruption, leading to massive panic buying and stockpiling by households.
- Commercial Hoarding: Reports suggest that hotels and large commercial entities have been amassing reserves, leaving retail consumers with empty hands.
Official Statement
An official from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies stated:
“To ensure that every household has at least some gas for their kitchen, we are shifting to half-filled cylinders. This will help normalize the distribution until the panic buying subsides.”
The government has also warned of strict legal action against dealers or individuals found selling gas at inflated prices or illegally hoarding cylinders.
FAQs
Why is the government selling half-filled gas cylinders?
The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) decided to sell 7.1kg cylinders to prevent hoarding and ensure that more households can access cooking gas during the current market shortage and panic buying.
What is the price of the 7.1kg gas cylinder in Nepal?
The price for a half-filled (7.1 kg) cylinder has been set at Rs 955, which is exactly half of the current full-cylinder price (Rs 1,910).
From when is the half-cylinder rule effective?
The distribution of 7.1kg cylinders starts from Friday, March 13, 2026 (Falgun 30, 2082 BS).
Is there an actual shortage of gas imports in Nepal?
According to the NOC, imports from India remain regular. The current shortage is primarily due to “panic buying” and hoarding triggered by global tensions in the Middle East.
Can I still buy a full 14.2kg cylinder?
During this rationing period, bottling plants have been instructed to only dispatch 7.1kg cylinders to the market until the supply situation stabilizes.
