Petrol shortage persists

KATHMANDU, Dec 7: The petroleum shortage that arose a few weeks ago due to the strike called by Maoist-affiliated petroleum workers has not eased even after five days since the agitating workers called off their strike.



Serpentine queues of vehicles can be seen near government-run fuel stations at Bhadrakali, Swoyambhu, Pulchowk and other places, waiting for their turn to fill the fuel.



Private petrol pump owners said they have not received the regular amount of fuel from the Nepal Oil Corporation. General Secretary of the Petroleum Dealers’ Association Sharad Bhandari attributed the shortage to release of insufficient fuel by the NOC to pump owners.



NOC director Digambar Jha says petrol supply has not been normalized due to frequent strikes.



He said the NOG has been distributing the fuel from different stocks in Kathmandu. He said the tankers will leave from Birgunj today and the supply will be normal from Wednesday.



He said the NOC can’t take responsibility for the shortage due to the strikes and bandas.

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