Govt allows cross-company LPG cylinder exchange in Kathmandu Valley amid supply disruption

Kathmandu, September 9, 2026 — The government has allowed consumers in the Kathmandu Valley to exchange empty LPG cylinders for filled cylinders from another company at the standard market price amid supply and transport disruptions caused by recent floods.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav directed relevant authorities to implement the temporary arrangement exclusively in the Kathmandu Valley. Under the provision, consumers whose regular LPG brand is unavailable can obtain a filled cylinder from another company by submitting their empty cylinder.

According to the ministry, the measure is intended to provide immediate relief to households facing shortages after floods damaged transport routes and disrupted the supply chain.

Minister Yadav instructed the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and LPG bottling industries to strictly enforce the arrangement across the valley.

She warned that businesses involved in market manipulation, creating artificial shortages or refusing to comply with the provision would face strict legal action.

The temporary arrangement will remain in effect during the supply disruption and is aimed at ensuring that consumers are not forced to wait for a specific brand to become available.