KATHMANDU: It is common for Kathmanduites to spend hours in queues in front of petrol pumps since the last three years. These unfortunates will have to suffer more in coming days, because the fate of the much-vaunted Raxaul-Amlekhgunj pipeline is uncertain.

Sudden strikes and road blockades have been hampering the supply of petroleum products like petrol, diesel, LPG gas since mid-November. The government envisioned the pipeline concept in 2007 for undisturbed petroleum supplies to Kathmandu and adjoining hill districts.

As per the plan, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and its Indian counterpart Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have to set aside a joint-venture (JV) company for this Rs 1.6 billion project. But, the delay in forming the JV from Nepal’s side has angered IOC.

“There is nothing like that,” said Minister for Commerce and Supply (MoCS) Rajendra Mahato, “We are preparing the modalities.” Nepal has purposed to build a pipeline in its own territory by respective agencies, he added. Of the 34-km long pipeline, four km falls in India.

Moreover, shortage of tankers is fuelling the shortage in Kathmandu Valley. IOC has barred old tankers from entering the filling station after the Jaipur fire last month. “Nearly 50 per cent tankers do not meet IOC standards and that is a crisis,” office-bearers of the Petroleum Dealers’ Association Nepal said. NOC has backed away from the decision to phase-out 20 years old tankers early this year after the protest of tanker owners.

Minister Mahato does not agree with it. “The present crisis is due to strikes and road blockades,” he said, “Once the strike in Birgunj gets over, supply will be smooth.” NOC is working to increase its storage capacity in Kathmandu.

“We are increasing the storage capacity of all kind of petroleum products at least for a month,” said Mahato. It may take three years, he added. Until then, Kathmanduites have no option but to grin and bear it.