Issuing a joint statement on Monday, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) have warned of stringent protest if the decision is not rolled back immediately.[break]
State-owned Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) on Sunday re-introduced dual pricing on diesel, increasing price of the fuel for industries consuming more than 4,000 liters a week by Rs 12.9 per liter. The decision means big industries in the capital will need to pay Rs 97.9 for a liter of diesel, while those in Tarai districts must pay Rs 96.4 per liter. The government has fixed market price of diesel at Rs 85 in the capital and Rs 83.5 in Tarai districts.
To support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the NOC, however, has decided to make up to 4,000 liters of diesel available for Rs 85 per liter once a week.
Earlier on Dec 10, the NOC had decided to slap different rates on diesel, making the fuel meant for industries, hotels, hospitals and diplomatic missions dearer by Rs 19. However, it later had to revert on its decision due to pressure from industrialists.
“We will be compelled to launch strong protests if dual pricing is not withdrawn immediately,” the joint statement states.
In the statement, both the organizations have also drawn attention of the government toward possible negative impact that the decision could make on national economy.
They have demanded that the government immediately withdraw dual pricing which, they say, would encourage malpractices and black-marketeering.
The organizations have also requested the government to ensure smooth supply of diesel so that industries do not have to curtail production due to power cuts.
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