Calling off their protests, bottlers have agreed to resume imports of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

Protesting against the government’s decision last week to ban Himalayan Petrochemicals (HP Gas) from importing LPG following explosion of its cylinder killing three in Haugaal, Lalitpur, the bottlers had on Monday announced to halt LPG imports. Following the bottlers’ protest, the Supply Ministry had formed a two-member talk team led by under-secretary Baburam Bhusal.

In a meeting with the government on Wednesday, the bottlers agreed to provide compensation to the families of the victims who died on May 20. Meanwhile, the government is likely to allow HP Gas to collect purchase delivery orders (PDOs). Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) issues PDOs to the bottlers for importing LPG from India.

NOC Spokesperson Mukunda Ghimire and a member of government talk team said the bottlers agreed to collect the PDOs. “They also agreed to provide compensation amounting to Rs4 million to the families of the victims.”

The report of the investigation committee led by Laxman Shrestha, director of Department of Supply Management, blamed the consumer’s negligence for the explosion.

Ghimire said they have also suggested the government to roll back its decision not issue PDOs to HP Gas.