NOC urges public to conserve fuel and LPG, warns against hoarding

The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has urged consumers to reduce the use of petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), saying the country could face risks if global disruptions intensify.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the state-owned fuel supplier said tensions in West Asia have not yet affected fuel supply to Nepal. However, it warned that the country, fully dependent on fuel imports, could still feel the impact if the global situation worsens.

NOC said several countries have already begun adopting precautionary measures in the sale, distribution and consumption of petroleum products. In that context, it called on consumers in Nepal to adopt similar practices to reduce fuel consumption.

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The NOC requested households and businesses to purchase and use only the necessary quantity of fuel and LPG, avoid unnecessary stockpiling, and increase the use of electricity as an alternative to LPG wherever possible.

Consumers have also been urged to limit LPG consumption to one cylinder per month where applicable, avoid refilling additional cylinders unnecessarily, and promote ride-sharing to reduce fuel use. The corporation further advised against operating generators for electricity where grid power is available.

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Industries have also been asked to reduce their consumption of petroleum products and LPG.

According to the NOC, fuel imports and distribution in the country remain regular at present and are expected to continue. Nevertheless, it warned that Nepal cannot remain insulated from potential global supply disruptions.

The NOC also cautioned that legal action will be taken against anyone found hoarding LPG cylinders, selling fuel or gas at inflated prices, or illegally marketing new cylinders in violation of government directives.

Earlier, it instructed gas companies to submit daily stock reports to the Corporation, and dealers to maintain records of sales and delivery to consumers. 

Meanwhile, India has reportedly secured safe passage for its fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit chokepoint. 

The development is significant for Nepal, which imports all of its petroleum products from India through the Indian Oil Corporation under a government-to-government arrangement with the NOC.