Nepal announced Thursday it will begin rationing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), filling only half of consumers' empty cylinders starting Friday. The measure comes amid fears of nationwide shortages linked to ongoing US-Israeli military actions against Iran. State-run Nepal Oil Corporation executive director Chandika Prasad Bhatta emphasized that adequate LPG supplies currently exist despite the rationing decision.
The announcement triggered immediate panic buying, with long queues forming at refilling plants across the country. Nepal's energy security concerns reflect broader regional instability as tensions escalate between the US and Iran over critical infrastructure targets. The rationing decision highlights how geopolitical conflicts can cascade into domestic policy changes in countries dependent on energy imports.
Nepal imports most of its LPG from international markets, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. The country relies heavily on cooking gas for household energy needs, with millions of families using LPG cylinders daily. Current stockpiles are being stretched as a precautionary measure while global energy markets remain volatile.
The rationing policy will directly affect millions of Nepali households who depend on LPG for cooking and heating. If supply disruptions materialize, the government may need to implement more severe restrictions or seek alternative energy sources. The situation underscores Nepal's strategic vulnerability as a landlocked nation dependent on imported energy resources.
US President Trump has threatened to target Iran's electricity infrastructure, with Iranian officials warning of regional consequences. The escalating rhetoric has contributed to global energy market uncertainty affecting smaller nations like Nepal.