Kathmandu, March 14 -- Amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, consumers in many countries, including Nepal and India, are increasingly reporting difficulties procuring liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). For several days, consumers have been seen queuing with empty cylinders.

Even as Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) claims the shortage is artificial, it announced plans to sell only half-filled cylinders to discourage hoarding, effective from Friday.

Conversely, the Indian government has maintained that there is no shortage and that gas distribution remains regular. Nevertheless, fearing a possible crisis, consumers have begun enquiring about electric stoves. Retailers, wholesalers and government-owned trading companies report a significant spike...