Petrol black-marketing up

Ramechhap, August 30

Black marketing in petrol has increased in Ramechhap over the past one month.

The petrol crisis began after Nilkantheshwor Oil Stores in Manthali Municipality could not supply petrol to locals.

Consumers said the fuel shortage has hit locals hard. Petrol pump owners brought fuel time and again but it disappeared on the way. They said the local administration had not managed the crisis in the market forĀ  long time.

Taking advantage of the shortage, some local businessmen have been selling the petrol at a high rate openly. They use mineral water bottles, drums and pots to sell it illegally. Petrol is being sold from grocery stores, cosmetic shops, and meat shops in the markets.

Locals are compelled to buy petrol at Rs 130 to 150 per litre. Some consumers even go to Dolakha and Khurkot in Sindhuli to buy petrol.

The locals complained that they are being cheated as the local administration has failed to do anything even when the essential commodity was being sold illegally.