Kathmandu, March 5:

Speaking on the first convention organised in the capital yesterday by the Federation of the Nepal Petroleum Transport Entrepreneurs (FNPTE), Rajesh Kaji Shrestha, state minister for industry, commerce and supplies, said that it has become easier for the entrepreneurs to import and transport petroleum products after the government’s recent decision to allow the private parties to import petroleum products.

“Government was forced to hike the petroleum products’ prices as it in the past did not set the pricing regime on par with oil prices in the international markets,” he said adding that the supply of petroleum products has been well-regulated following the improvement in financial condition of the cash-strapped NOC.

Umesh Prasad Dahal, executive director, informed that oil prices have also been reduced in course of setting up pricing regime on par with prices in the international markets.

Chandiraj Dhakal, chairman of the Federation of Nepalese Industries and Commerce (FNCCI), and Jagadish Khetan, executive chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC), stressed that the corporation should maintain professional integrity even if it has come across many challenges in recent times.

On the occasion, Birendra Kumar Das said that the Maoists have destroyed 35 oil tankers within the span of two years.

Petroleum transport entrepreneurs have reached an understanding to supply and transport quality petroleum products in an efficient manner.

At a time when petroleum products of 88 optic are being sold and distributed in the country, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) is set to import petroleum products of higher quality of 91 optics. Talks with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is underway, according to the NOC.