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Mounting frustration over the government’s failure to manage the supply of cooking gas has now reached the ministry level, with Industry, Commerce and Supplies Minister Gauri Kumari Yadav warning of strict action against gas bottlers even as she struggles to rein in traders accused of market misconduct.

Speaking at a program on Wednesday, Minister Yadav threatened to tighten the noose around bottlers and revoke their licenses to ensure smooth supply. As the shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) worsens in the Kathmandu Valley, she voiced concern that cylinders dispatched to the Valley often disappear before reaching the market.

According to Yadav, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has been supplying around 48,000 cylinders to Kathmandu daily, yet only 19,000–20,000 cylinders are reaching consumers. She said bottlers have failed to provide any explanation, despite NOC writing to them dozens of times without receiving a single reply.

The crisis has been compounded by a landslide in Krishnabhir, Dhading, which blocked the Prithvi Highway and severed the capital’s main supply route. Although authorities claim to have eased the flow of essentials, shortages and black-market activity continue to disrupt daily life in the Valley.

Taking advantage of the situation, dealers and retailers have been demanding advance payment for LPG despite long waits faced by consumers. Many households have been forced to stand in lengthy queues to secure the essential fuel.

Government records show 58 private gas industries are operating in Nepal, while the state-run Salt Trading Corporation holds a 20 percent market share. Minister Yadav accused these companies of failing to assist in managing supply during the crisis.

“If each of the 58 gas industries had sent cylinders to Kathmandu every day at the rate of 3,000 cylinders, the severe crisis would not have appeared till date,” she said, adding that reliance on private companies has worsened the shortage.

Gas bottlers, however, strongly objected to Yadav’s remarks, accusing her of harassment. Shiva Ghimire, former president of the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association, said entrepreneurs were disappointed that the minister had chosen to issue threats instead of cooperating with them during a difficult situation.

“Instead of working together to solve the problem, the minister has made an irresponsible statement saying she will harass entrepreneurs and revoke industry licenses. We will protest if the minister does not retract her words,” Ghimire warned.