Gas Crisis Sparks Protest: Students Cook with Firewood at Ratna Rajya Campus

Students have staged a symbolic protest at Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus by cooking food with firewood, accusing the government of failing to take effective measures to resolve the shortage of cooking gas in the market. Students affiliated with the All Nepal National Independent Students’ Union (Revolutionary) cooked and ate food outside the campus gate using a traditional firewood stove to pressure the government to ensure a regular supply of LPG. Student leader Niraj Shrestha said that his household had been unable to cook properly for nearly two weeks due to the lack of cooking gas. He demanded that the government either ensure the immediate availability of gas cylinders or make alternative arrangements for food if the shortage continues. Shrestha also accused the government of using a heavy-handed approach toward both consumers and traders. He called for better coordination with gas suppliers and traders, along with strict action against black-market activities and hoarding. According to the students, similar peaceful protest programs were being organized at campuses across the country to draw attention to the gas shortage. The LPG supply problem in the Kathmandu Valley has been linked to disruptions in the supply chain following the Bhotekoshi floods in Rasuwa, which affected transportation and distribution routes.