KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 11

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal underlined the need for replacing LPG Gas in the kitchen of all Nepalis with induction cooktop.

Minister Bhusal urged an arrangement for all shareholders in cooperatives to use electric stoves. 'Cooperatives have been urged to distribute induction cooktops through dividends or in monthly installment basis to their shareholders.'

'They have to invest their capitals in the development of national economy,' Bhusal said while addressing the 10th annual general assembly of the Image Saving and Credit Cooperatives Limited at Lagankhel in Lalitpur Metropolitan City-6 today.

The Minister expressed her hope that a proposal to distribute induction cooktop to the shareholders in the cooperative would be tabled in the assembly and be endorsed.

'We have to pay for cooking gas in foreign currencies. We should use electricity generated in Nepal itself. Electricity generation in Nepal is less costly. Our money could be retained here and it could revitalize economic activities of the country.'

It requires fewer expenses to cook foods on induction cooktop than in traditional LPG gas, according to a study.

Informing that the government had considered decreasing electric tariffs to ease off citizens economically, the Minister urged consumers to optimize the use of electric equipment.

She also encouraged the consumers to purchase and use electric vehicles instead of petroleum fuel-powered ones.