A source at NOC has disclosed that the depot has recently reported a loss of 0.91 percent, which is not only higher than the acceptable limit set by the NOC itself but even higher than last year´s loss, which attracted the constitutional anti-graft body to launch a full-fledged investigation. [break]
NOC sources said that the latest loss recorded by the depot is 0.34 percent points higher than the acceptable limit of 0.57 percent in petrol storage.
"Loss recorded this time is far higher than what was found earlier in that depot. However, no action has been taken against the officials for the irregularities so far," said the source, adding, "NOC management is trying to cover up the case with the intention of protecting the culprits as in the past.”
Currently, Bijaya Parbat is heading the Amlekhgunj depot, which is the largest depot in term of transaction of petroleum products and the most lucrative for its employees in terms of extra financial benefits.
Because of this, many believe that employees for major depots like the one in Amlekhgunj are selected and deputed by the top officials of NOC under secret deal to fulfill financial interests of the both parties.
NOC source said depots in Bhairahawa, Pokhara, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi are maintaining the loss within the limit set by NOC with the Bhairahawa depot reporting the lowest volume of loss.
Bhairahawa depot recorded only half of the limit of the loss limit with the loss loss rate of 0.26 percent, 0.20 percent and 0.15 percent in petrol, diesel and kerosene respectively. NOC has fixed loss limit at 0.57 percent, 0.32 percent and 0.32 percent for petrol, diesel and kerosene respectively for this depot.
NOC was compelled to suspend all employees of Amlekhgunj depot a few months back after an investigation unearthed a huge corruption in the name of excessive leakage beyond the acceptable limit.
Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) -- the constitutional anti-graft body -- is still investigating the corruption charges. An NOC investigation had reckoned that the level of loss at that time was 0.80 percent, which inflicted a loss of Rs 29 million to the stated-owned fuel monopolist.
Customers are compelled to pay the ever-growing price of petroleum products due to mismanagement of NOC, which has been adjusting market price as per the international prices.
Meanwhile, NOC has stated that depots reporting lowest rate of loss would be awarded in an effort to discourage corruption in the depots in the name of loss in the quantity of petroleum products.
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