KATHMANDU, MARCH 13
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the government to take all necessary measures to ensure the smooth distribution of petroleum products.
In a press statement issued today, Under-Secretary Shyam Babu Kafle urged the government to hold accountable anyone found responsible for creating artificial shortages, regulate the tendency to hoard such products, and protect consumers' rights by immediately arranging the supply of essential goods.
The Commission recently visited and monitored the Nepal Oil Corporation, the Department of Commerce, the Nepal Food Management Company Limited, and various gas depots.
"According to our monitoring and observations, Nepal primarily depends on imports for petroleum products, and the raw materials being imported are being supplied regularly, as before," the statement said.
Although some supply shortages have occurred due to transportation management issues at certain gas companies, messages circulated in various media suggesting problems in the overall gas supply have prompted consumers to store more than necessary. There is also information indicating that some businessmen may have created artificial shortages, the NHRC stated.
The Commission highlighted media reports indicating a shortage of LPG in the Kathmandu Valley, which has caused concern and anxiety among consumers, particularly in the context of tensions in the Middle East.
