Kathmandu, May 25:

Petroleum dealers have announced fresh protest programmes demanding smooth and adequate supply of perto-products.

Nepal Petroleum Dealers’ Association (NPDA), the apex body of dealers, today said that the dealers would launch a series of protest programmes with a two-point demand including smooth supply of petroleum products and implementation of accords between the government and the dealers in the past.

NPDA said that the new protest programmes would begin from June 15. However, the dealers

have postponed their agitation scheduled to begin on May 28 citing the day is coincided with the first meeting of the constituent assembly. The government has decided to observe three days from May 28 to 20 to implement its previous decision to go for a republic.

NPDA has also given an ultimatum till June 14 to ensure smooth supply of petroleum products.

Otherwise the protest programmes will begin from June 15 with announcement through a press conference. The dealers will submit memorandum to the concerned authorities. NPDA will carry out publicity activities from June 16 to 18 and tell public the truth about supply situation. The dealers will put black flags at their respective petrol pumps as a part of protest.

The fifth day of the agitation will see a protest rally of the dealers and gherao of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) head office as well as local depots for an hour. On June 20, the dealers plan to stage dharna at NOC offices and depots with black bandages tied on hands.

“Even after these protests, the government and NOC keep silent at ensuring supply of petro-products, all dealers will stop buying from NOC,” said Shiva Prasad Ghimire, president of NPDA. He said that the last option with the dealers would be shutting down the pumps throughout the country. “The dealers will shut down all the gas stations from June 23 for an indefinite period unless the demands are met,” he warned.