MVNO service starts

KATHMANDU: Merchantrade, Laxmi Bank’s remittance partner in Malaysia has signed up Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad to launch mobile virtual network operation (MVNO) services by providing a prepaid package to overseas foreign workers in Malaysia from nine countries, including Nepal. The Nepali workers in Malaysia can now purchase MVNO prepaid mobile starter packs and recharge vouchers at Merchantrade dealers, branches as well as 4000 Wartel/Call shops in Malaysia and use them for calling up their friends and family back in Nepal, states a press release. Recently, Laxmi Bank and Merchantrade have ventured in online money transfer services. — HNS

A&M panels in market

KATHMANDU: Hansraj Hulaschand & Co, the authorised distributor of Alu-Bond Enterprises India, has unveiled Alstrong and Metastrong (A&M) panels for exteriors and interiors in the market. Alstrong aluminium composite panels are made of aluminium and are especially appropriate for exteriors that provide good façade and enriches the look of both old and new constructions, states a press release. Metastrong panels, made of first grade aluminium and better than laminates, granites and marbles, are for interiors and available in 30 different colours. — HNS

Petro-price hike

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan oil companies said they had raised petrol pump prices by 17 per cent, the sixth increase this year amid high crude costs. Petrol now costs Rs 117 Sri Lankan Currency (SC) per litre. Price hike covers fuel retailer Lanka IOC, which controls a third of local petrol market. Other refined fuel prices have also increased this year. — AFP