The haphazard way in which fuel coupons have been issued by the local administration has resulted in some people getting more than their quota and others not getting any.

The administration has been distributing gasoline coupons in a bid to control black marketeering; but officials have been issuing them without checking whether the applicant has received them previously, leading to their misuse.

It is not known for what purpose the Mugu Chamber of Commerce and Industry was given 1,000 litres of diesel. The District Supply Committee, which has been monitoring the distribution of fuel, said that questionable practices had been seen.

Some people have not got fuel despite holding a coupon. Om Shiva Oil of Kohalpur was found to have not provided diesel to the Bageshwori Bus Entrepreneurs Association and the Bheri Bus Entrepreneurs’ Association as per their coupons.

According to the supply committee, petrol pumps in Kohalpur, Ganapur and surrounding areas were found to have not maintained good records of fuel supply.

Consumers have complained that black marketeering is on the rise due to distribution of coupons without documentation. The local administration has ordered gasoline stations to keep sales records including the vehicle licence plate number. It has also made it clear that those holding coupons must receive fuel within two days of the date of issue.

“However, it has been discovered that fuel has been distributed without documentation,” said Khagendra Poudel, administrative officer at the District Administration Office (DAO), Banke. “Some petrol pumps have been distributing fuel recklessly and doubtful coupons have been found,” he said.

Petroleum products are being imported regularly through the Nepalgunj border point, but the DAO has been receiving complaints about persistent shortages and rising black marketeering. In response to the complaints, the District Monitoring Committee headed by the DAO started monitoring fuel distribution.

Public transport vehicles are required to obtain a recommendation from the Transport Entrepreneurs Committee while farmers have to obtain a recommendation from the District Agriculture Development Office to receive fuel coupons.

Likewise, the District Health Office issues recommendations in the health sector and the District Education Office does likewise in education sector.

The local administration has decided to set aside 40 percent of the fuel supply for public transport vehicles.