The Kathmandu Valley will soon have refuelling stations of international standard if everything goes as planned.

The Ministry of Supplies has granted operating licences to install 15 such gasoline stations to security forces and other government agencies, including Sajha and Salt Trading Corporation.

Surya Prasad Shrestha, spokesperson for the ministry, said the licences were issued a few days ago. “The proposed petrol pumps will be of international standard. They will have several fuel dispensing units, parking yard for at least 20 vehicles, rest rooms and shopping outlets,” he said.

As per the ministry, it had received 20 proposals for opening such petrol pumps, of which 15 were approved.

The government agencies will use their own land and financial resources to open the petrol pumps. Nepal Army has been provided licence to open five such outlets, while Sajha has been permitted to set up four pumps. Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and Salt Trading Corporation will be opening two reeling stations each in the Valley. The ministry said it came up with the decision as most of the refuelling stations in the Valley do not meet the set standards, and pumps set up at tiny spaces often lead to traffic jams when motorists queue up.

According to the ministry, the move to issue the licences to government authorities is also aimed at ensuring smooth fuel supply during shortages.

“Compared to private petrol pumps, fuel distribution by these agencies was more effective during the shortage created by over four-month trade embargo imposed by India,” said Shrestha, adding increasing the number of fuel stations run by government authorities could also help check black-marketeering during shortages that appear time and again.

As of the record of Nepal Petroleum Dealers’ Association, there are 1,200 petrol pumps operating across the country. Out of them, 117 are located in the Kathmandu Valley.

At present, there are eight petrol pumps operated by these five security forces and government authorities. Apart from the Valley, these agencies run fuel stations in Chitwan, Pathlaiya, Pokhara and Dang.