NOC has instructed the Indian supplier to deliver 500 kiloliters of petrol every day till July 15 and also placed order for more diesel. "We have already started receiving petrol as demanded," said NOC spokesperson Mukunda Dhungel.
At present the corporation has petrol stock of 1,500 KL in Thankot, which is some 300 KL less than the total storage capacity there. With more imports, officials said they would replenish the stock to full capacity within a couple of days and store the rest at Amlekhgunj depot.
Stock of diesel too stands at 5,100 KL, and the corporation is planning to refill its storage tanks at Thankot to full capacity of 8,400 KL as early as possible.
Regular demand of petrol and diesel in the Valley stands at 280 KL and 400 KL respectively. If stock is full, NOC claims that it will be able to pump out petrol for about six days and diesel for about three weeks even if the movement of tankers is disturbed.
However, this estimation of NOC has been repeatedly proven wrong as people rush for fuel amid fear of shortage and the demand shoots up suddenly.
"As we will have adequate stock in Amlekhgunj for backup and can divert dealers to collect fuel from there as well if required, we feel there won´t be any problem this time round," said the NOC official.
Heavy rains and subsequent landslide and damages caused along the main highway at times obstruct movement of vehicles along the Prithvi Highway and other segments of highways that link Tarai with the capital. And because it is the only reliable route for the movement of larger vehicles, its obstruction causes shortage of essentials in the Valley.
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