Publicity over LPG stock at Radisson Hotel Kathmandu is exaggerated: NCC

KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has expressed serious concern over comments about liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stock found during a joint inspection at the Radisson Hotel Kathmandu. The private sector organisation said the publicity was exaggerated and detrimental to the country's tourism sector.

Monitoring was coordinated by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). In a statement issued on Sunday, the private sector body said publicising incomplete or out-of-context information damages the commercial reputation of an establishment that contributes significantly to Nepal's tourism and hospitality industry.

The NCC said a five-star hotel typically consumes between 50 and 60 cooking-gas cylinders daily and that, given this level of use, maintaining a stock of around 200 cylinders at the Radisson Hotel was natural and appropriate for regular commercial operations.

"Thus, drawing conclusions by linking stock meant solely for commercial use to unnatural or illegal activities is inappropriate," the statement said.

While saying it does not support artificial shortages, illegal trade or activities contrary to the law, the NCC stated that exaggerated publicity discouraging legitimate business operations can negatively affect the broader investment climate and urged all parties to remain sensitive to such matters.

The NCC added that if issues arise regarding supply, regulation or other matters related to the hotel, tourism or wider business sectors, relevant authorities should seek solutions through dialogue and coordination with business representatives and private sector organisations.

Creating an environment that enables legitimate investment and operations while maintaining necessary regulation remains essential, the NCC said, adding that trust, reputation and sustainable development in the tourism sector can only be secured through fact-based information, responsible statements and open communication among stakeholders.