NOC Asks Bottlers Exchange LPG Cylinder Across Brands for Dashain

Kathmandu: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has asked LPG bottlers and sellers to facilitate the exchange of cylinders across different brands to ensure a smooth supply of cooking gas in the Kathmandu Valley during the Dashain festival.

Under an agreement reached between the NOC, LPG bottling companies and sellers, consumers will be able to exchange an empty cylinder of one company for a full cylinder of another company. No additional fee will be charged for such exchanges.

NOC Executive Director Nagendra Sah said the initiative was taken in response to complaints from consumers who often struggle to find LPG when the available brand does not match the cylinder they have at home.

The new arrangement is particularly aimed at helping households with only one cylinder and preventing consumers from having to visit multiple shops in search of their preferred brand during the festive season.

As an initial step, the stakeholders have agreed to establish joint cylinder exchange centers at five major locations in the Kathmandu Valley.

The move also comes in the wake of the LPG shortage triggered by the road blockage at Krishnabhir along the Prithvi Highway, when consumers were reportedly forced to pay exorbitant prices because sellers refused to exchange cylinders of different companies.