Kathmandu, May 10 Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) are preparing to construct high-tech fuel stations in the country. The two oil companies are currently looking into the feasibility of constructing almost 100 model petrol pumps across the country, a source at NOC informed The Himalayan Times. Moreover, a high-level technical team of IOC is currently in Nepal to study the operation of such model petrol pumps in Nepal together with NOC. “The IOC team is in Nepal to see prospects of operating model petrol pumps in joint venture in the country,” the NOC source said, adding that NOC and IOC may ink an agreement for the construction and operation of such petrol pumps in the near future. IOC has shown interest to construct well-equipped fuel stations in Nepal after Minister for Supplies Deepak Bohora, during the renewal of Supply Agreement with IOC in March-end, urged IOC and the Indian Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to help Nepal construct model petrol pumps. NOC plans to construct 100 such fuel stations covering all provinces together with IOC. After signing an agreement with IOC to operate such fuel stations in joint venture, officials say that NOC will have 51 per cent stake in all such fuel stations. Amending the Fuel Distribution Bylaw in December last year, NOC had introduced the concept of ‘model petrol pumps’ in the country. Setting different parameters for the construction of model petrol pumps, NOC had welcomed the private sector to construct such fuel stations across the country. Moreover, NOC has already allowed five different domestic companies to construct such model petrol pumps. Among different parameters, model petrol pumps have to be constructed on 13 ropanis of land (for Tarai) and on five ropanis of land (for Hilly and Himalayan regions). Similarly, these fuel stations should have card swiping facility for customers along with well-managed cafeteria, ATM lounges, vehicle washing and repairing system, multiple nozzles to fill fuel, availability of regular water and power supply along with separate toilets for men, women and handicapped people. “Construction of model petrol pumps and NOC’s joint venture plan with IOC to construct such fuel stations is a part of upgrading the fuel distribution system in Nepal,” said Sitaram Pokharel, spokesperson for NOC.