National
NOC says it has run out of stock, appeals all to not queue up for fuel
The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has said that it would not be able to distribute fuel for the moment, as it has run out of stock, while imports from India have come to a halt since the past five days.The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has said that it would not be able to distribute fuel for the moment, as it has run out of stock, while imports from India have come to a halt since the past five days.
At a press conference here on Monday, NOC Director Gopal Bahadur Khadka said that fuel cannot be provided at the moment to the consumers as efforts to import fuel have failed while alternative measures have yet to be found despite continuous efforts. "Our homework (to import fuel) seems to have been insufficient, alternative means have not worked, so fuel supply will not be easy at the moment."
He also said that the fuel supply will not ease unless the government designates any company to import fuel along with the determination of the price for it. The problem must be addressed at a higher level, Khadka said.
The NOC Director also appealed all to not queue before the fuel stations until a notice is released from the NOC in that regard.
Transit points with China has been used as an alternative to bring in petroleum products but not cooking gas. The efforts to import LPG from Bangladesh have also not bore fruit. Of the 1,300 kilolitres of petrol granted by China, 655 kilolitres have already been brought to Nepal.
Khadka said though 22 companies had responded to the call for letter of intent to import fuel, it was difficult for the private sector to immediately bring in fuel as that would require a significant amount of money.
The NOC however said it has some reserve meant only for special and emergency purpose.
It may be noted that domestic flights too have been grounded after the demand for aviation fuel could not be met.