Key Takeaways:

• Six LPG exchange centres opened across Kathmandu Valley for Dashain
• Consumers can swap empty cylinders across brands without exchange fees
• Scheme aims to ease cooking gas access during the festive period
• Some consumers report outlets refusing cylinders from other brands

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 11 A cross-brand LPG cylinder exchange scheme has come into operation at six locations across Kathmandu Valley to help consumers obtain cooking gas more easily during the Dashain festival period. The Nepal LPG Industry Association introduced the arrangement from Ghatasthapana to Phulpati in coordination with the Nepal Oil Corporation and the Gas Sellers Federation of Nepal. Under the scheme, consumers can exchange an empty cylinder of one brand for a filled cylinder of another brand without paying an additional exchange charge. Consumers are required to pay only the prescribed price of the gas. The six designated exchange centres are located in Kalanki, Balaju, Pepsicola, Sukedhara, Sifal and Harisiddhi. The centres are operating daily from 9:30 am to 4 pm. Association President Diwan Chand said the programme was introduced to improve access to LPG supplies during Dashain, when household demand typically rises. According to the association, 58 LPG brands are currently operating in Nepal, and consumers have sometimes been forced to pay up to Rs 300 extra when exchanging cylinders across brands. Nepal Oil Corporation Executive Director Nagendra Shah said the arrangement was introduced to make cylinder exchanges easier and more convenient for consumers during the festive season. The scheme is particularly intended to assist households that own only a single gas cylinder and may otherwise have difficulty finding a replacement during Dashain. However, some consumers have complained that certain designated centres are accepting only cylinders of their own brands, despite the scheme's cross-brand exchange provision. The complaints have raised concerns about inconsistent implementation and whether consumers are receiving the benefits promised under the programme. To prevent misuse, the association said each consumer will be permitted to exchange only one cylinder and will be required to provide identification details and a mobile phone number. Industry officials said the success of the initiative depends on all participating centres fully adhering to the cross-brand exchange arrangement throughout the Dashain period.