Butwal, August 2:

The sale and consumption of petroleum products in nine districts of western region under Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has declined for the first time during fiscal year 2004-05, as compared to the previous fiscal. According to the western regional office of NOC, Talbari-Rupandehi, the consumption of diesel and kerosene declined by 2.86 per cent and 13.44 per cent respectively during the period. As there is a big difference in the prices of petroleum products in India and Nepal, sale of petroleum products has been limited to ensure that they do not get smuggled into India. For this purpose, an effective mechanism has been set up and monitoring has been intensified, said Maunder Ghimire, chief of NOC regional office.

As the current price rate has invited a crisis in the corporation, there is an urgent need for restructuring petroleum prices, he said, adding that a notice has been circulated to local administration, customs and security authorities through Lumbini zone to ensure that petroleum products do not get smuggled.

According to engineer, Ashok Shah, the sale and distribution of petroleum products are being carried out in an efficient and transparent manner. According to figures provided by NOC, 5.93 million litres of petrol, 55.18 million litres of diesel, 0.692 million litres of air fuel, 8,827 metric tonnes of LPG gas were imported during the fiscal year 2003-04. However imports decreased in fiscal 2004-05 and 4.22 million litres of petrol, 5.08 million litres of diesel, 3.09 million litres of kerosene, 0.68 million litres of air fuel, 8,827 metric tonnes of LPG gas were imported. Regional chief Ghimire said that petroleum products are being distributed in Arghakhanchi, Gulmi, Kapilvastu, Nawalparasi, Palpa, Rupandehi, Syangja, Chitwan and Lamjung in equally from the office. The depots and sale counters are closely being monitored,

according to Ghimire.