“We have enough petrol stocks for just two days. Hence, distribution will now be done only through institutional refilling stations run by the army, police, the armed police force and Sajha cooperatives,” said Digambhar Jha, NOC managing director.
As a result of the decision, some 110 private retail hands under the corporation did not receive any petrol during the day. They operated with ‘No Petrol’ signs on display.
The supply situation created panic among consumers and long queues of vehicles were visible at the fuel stations. Worse for the consumers, the corporation reduced petrol supply to these stations as well.
During the day, it distributed about 120 kiloliters of petrol, some 30 percent less than regular demand for the fuel.
NOC data shows that its stock of petrol at Thankot depot now stands at about 550 kiloliters (KL). “Imports have not happened over the last five days, and we are facing problems transferring stock from the Amlekhgunj depot as well,” said Jha, explaining the decision to curtail supply. NOC was distributing enough fuel till Sunday.
NOC has further cautioned that the situation, if left tackled, could spark a shortage of cooking gas and aviation fuel also. The Tharuhat protest has brought vehicular movement to a halt at the major importing points and also along key highways.
Petroleum transporters said that almost all fuel tanker-trucks have remained stranded on this side of the border, and have not been able to collect fuel from Raxaul, the largest import point, or the other depots either.
“Unless the government takes steps for ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles, the country could suffer a serious shortage of aviation fuel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and petrol,” said Jha.
The corporation, however, has said it has adequate stocks of diesel in Kathmandu and other depots.
On NOC’s request, the Supplies Ministry, meanwhile, has requested the Home Ministry to arrange security for importing fuel and other essential commodities, in a bid to prevent a crisis in the market.
The corporation has also taken a decision to transport petrol to Kathmandu from Amlekhgunj depot via Tribhuvan Highway, which avoids the protest areas. “However, as the highway does not support the movement of larger tanker-trucks, the transfer of adequate stocks will take longer,” said Jha.
milan@myrepublica.com
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