Nepalese Petroleum Entrepreneur Shiva Prasad Ghimire Assures Fuel Stability Amid West Asia Conflict
4th March 2026, Kathmandu
In the wake of escalating tensions in West Asia, prominent Nepalese petroleum entrepreneur Shiva Prasad Ghimire has stepped forward to address public concerns regarding energy security.
Petroleum Entrepreneur Shiva Prasad Ghimire
Speaking at a recent interaction program organized by the Nepal Economic Journalists Association (NAFIZ), Ghimire emphasized that despite global volatility, there is no immediate threat of a petroleum or LPG shortage in the country.
Petroleum Entrepreneur Shiva Prasad Ghimire
As the Chairman of SG Group and a key leader within the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Ghimire’s insights carry significant weight for both policy-makers and the general public.
Debunking Shortage Rumors: The “Panic-Hoarding” Factor
The recent surge in demand at fuel stations across the Kathmandu Valley has been largely attributed to psychological factors rather than a physical supply gap. Nepalese petroleum entrepreneur Shiva Prasad Ghimire pointed out that historical supply disruptions often trigger a “fear of deprivation” among consumers.
“We are seeing daily sales at some petrol pumps jump from 12,000 liters to 30,000 liters,” Ghimire noted. “This is not a reflection of increased need, but rather panic-driven hoarding. Our current supply through the India-Nepal pipeline and existing reserves are more than sufficient to meet the nation’s requirements.”
Strategic Moves in the LPG and LNG Sector
Ghimire, who is also the immediate past president of the Nepal LP Gas Industry Association, explained that the brief shortage of cooking gas (LPG) seen earlier in February was due to maintenance at India’s Barauni Refinery and logistical issues with Indian “bullet” tankers.
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However, he confirmed that these bottlenecks have been resolved. To further modernize the sector, Ghimire has been a vocal advocate for:
Cross-Border Pipelines: Pushing for the expansion of gas pipelines from India to ensure long-term, cost-effective supply.
LNG Infrastructure: Under his leadership, the SG Group recently launched Nepal’s first private Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Simara, Bara, marking a historic shift toward cleaner industrial energy.
Fuel Security and the 2026 Elections
With the House of Representatives elections approaching on March 5, 2026, fuel security is a top priority for the government. Ghimire assured that the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and private distributors have coordinated to maintain a buffer stock.
Furthermore, the decrease in international flights due to Middle East airspace restrictions has actually resulted in a surplus of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) in Nepal, providing an additional cushion for the energy sector.
About Shiva Prasad Ghimire
Nepalese petroleum entrepreneur Shiva Prasad Ghimire has spent over four decades building an empire that spans petroleum, LPG, hydropower, and tea estates. Often referred to as a “petroleum tycoon,” his journey from a modest grocery store in Hetaunda to heading the Road Transport and Transit Committee at FNCCI serves as an inspiration for the next generation of Nepalese innovators.
