Fuel Shortage in Nepal as Petrol Pumps Halt Operations Amid Price Drop

Kathmandu. Due to the expectation of price reduction, petrol pumps have not lifted oil, causing a shortage of petroleum products. Many petrol pumps in Kathmandu and across the country have closed, displaying 'No Petrol' signs. 

On Tuesday, Nepal Oil Corporation reduced the price of petrol by 20 rupees and diesel and kerosene by 30 rupees per liter. The corporation adjusted the prices on Tuesday according to the automatic pricing system, which allows for price adjustments on the 15th and the last day of each English month. 

Nepal Oil Corporation spokesperson Manoj Thakur informed that most pumps did not lift fuel from the depot on Tuesday fearing losses if they lifted more fuel when the price was certain to drop in the Nepali market following a decrease in international market prices. He stated that this is why pumps are not distributing petrol. 

Three Teams Mobilized for Monitoring

Following the shortage of petroleum products in the market, Nepal Oil Corporation has mobilized three teams in the Kathmandu Valley for monitoring. These teams have been given the authority to visit the concerned petrol pumps and immediately seal them if they are found closed or not distributing fuel. 

'Three of our teams have been mobilized in Kathmandu. We have also asked the provincial offices to monitor outside the valley,' Thakur said. 

According to him, although there is a slight shortage of petrol currently, the problem will be resolved by the evening. 'Our dealers are supplying pumps with as much fuel as they are requesting. Although there is a temporary problem due to less lifting in the past few days, it will be resolved by this evening or tomorrow. There is no need to panic,' he said. 

Currently, the price of petroleum products in the international market has returned to the pre-Iran war level. This has also had an impact on Nepal. However, the price in the Nepali market has not yet fallen to the pre-war level.