Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the government to ensure the smooth supply of LPG and other petroleum products.
Issuing a statement on Friday, the NHRC said its attention had been drawn to the shortage of cooking gas and petroleum products in the Valley due to supply disruptions linked to the situation in West Asia.
The commission said it had conducted monitoring and inspections of the Nepal Oil Corporation, the Department of Commerce, Food Management and Trading Company Limited, and depots involved in the sale and distribution of LPG.
“The monitoring found that although there has been some decline in supply, reports in various media suggesting a complete disruption in the overall supply system have led consumers to stockpile more than necessary. This has worsened the shortage,” it added.
The NHRC has stated that the situation has created difficulties in safeguarding consumer rights guaranteed by Article 44 of the Constitution of Nepal, the Consumer Protection Act, 2018, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 1966, to which Nepal is a party.
“We instruct the government to take all necessary measures to ensure smooth distribution of petroleum products, bring those creating artificial shortages under legal action, regulate unnecessary hoarding, and immediately make proper arrangements for the supply of essential goods to protect consumer rights,” it added in the statement.
