Ashish Kumar Shah, 32, arranges for fuel supplies via a local car workshop.
Kyati Rai, 25, talks about a particular paan pasal in the alleyway of New Road area that has been supplying her with mineral water bottles full of petrol.
Pramod Shrestha, 44, reveals that his 20 year old son's friend has proven to be his most reliable source for fuel.
Whereas Aman Bhattarai, 29, is hoping a contact at Kalanki is going to come through with his two week's worth of petrol supply.
It's a snapshot of the country's ongoing glorious black market. The government may have issued statements of increased vigilance and news of police impounding people for black marketing charges around Dhading and Nuwakot may have also been widely circulated but who are we kidding? The city's hectic day traffic, crowded parking lots, and drivers around town paint a different picture. As long as you are ready to part with Rs 300-Rs 400 per liter, the suppliers will creep out of the woodwork.
"I have regularly asked the workshop owner about his sources. Each time he tells me I shouldn't stress about it. All I know so far is that some tanker that carries around 40-50 liters drops off 10-20 liters of petrol at his place. I don't know where it comes from or how he arranged it but that's how I have been getting my tank filled since the festivities," shares Ashish Kumar Shah.
Shah is reportedly still paying Rs 400 for petrol, a deal which Subin Khadki, another fellow black market customer, actually informs is a raw one. Khadki talks about the importance of exploring the supply options since the black market of late has become all too pervasive. His due diligence was apparently rewarded not so long ago. The last time he bought petrol it cost him only Rs 250, a whole Rs 100-Rs 150 cheaper than the current black market rate.
"The livestock whole sellers I mentioned frequently cross the border for business. On their way back along with their herd, they also bring me a can full of petrol. They seem to have similar deals with many people. It's good quality petrol and last week since there were rumors of the border situation improving, they even dropped the price. I got lucky that a friend could get me in touch with them," says Khadki.
However, a good network isn't exactly necessary to get access into the black market. You just have to have the patience to ask around because ultimately you will meet somebody who is in touch with another somebody who can help you meet your fuel requirements. Kyati Rai, for instance, learned about her "helpful" paan pasal through a colleague's cousin. Aman Bhattarai got contacts of the Kalanki driver whilst taking a public vehicle to work. During his hour long commute, the micro driver not only informed him about the night buses bringing back stocks, he even offered to make arrangements.
"It's really not hard at all," says Rai. "The first time I was going to buy my petrol in black, I was worried about participating in an illegal activity. I was nervous, but now after all these months of blockade, it has unfortunately become a way of life. I buy petrol illegally in broad day light and I'm obviously not the only one," she adds.
And that's where the concern lies. The border blockade, the fuel shortage, and the black market have resulted in a vicious circle, one that will be very hard to break out from since this blockade shows no signs of easing. The basic economics of supply and demand has reared its ugly head and it's the people themselves who are nurturing the monster. Though when confronted, those indulging in the black market do have a strong defense: we need to carry on with our lives.
"I have stayed in a line for petrol for four days. I traveled on roof tops. I walked half way to work as well. I have earnestly tried to manage without my bike but it was not possible. I need to reach office on time. I need to attend to business around town. Thus despite my best judgment, the black market was the best answer. These days I even use my bike to bring home some firewood," says Bhattarai.
Similarly, Pramod Shrestha too talks about the challenges of life and business without petrol. He also confesses that he is well aware of the consequences of supporting the black market. "I think everybody realizes that they themselves are responsible for bolstering the black market. However, for many of us, there isn't an alternative. This isn't a problem that can be fixed by the citizens. The government should be taking control of the situation and sorting it out. The citizens will obviously do whatever they have to survive," argues Shrestha.
It's apparent that majority of Nepalis share the same sentiments. Not that there aren't individuals who are taking a higher moral ground. There are many who have opted for cycling around town or enduring rides in the ridiculously stuffed public vehicles, all in the name of not succumbing to the black market. Rachit Hamal, 23, for instance, confirms that he and his group of friends squarely fall in that category. He rides a motorbike but rather than take the easier option, he chooses to wait in the day long petrol line to get his tank filled.
"To begin with, financially it is not possible to buy in the black market forever. But more importantly, we can't be encouraging such activities. The only time I got petrol was when the petrol stations were distributing some to private vehicle owners. Many of my friends too have decided to boycott the black market. I feel it's important for youths like us to take this stand," says Hamal.
Yet again it seems to come down to a matter of perspective. When made aware about individuals like Hamal, those turning to the black market for a solution seem to agree that it's the right stance but then again they reiterate "we need to carry on with our lives too."
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