Kathmandu, January 27

Despite the government’s claim that it has tightened the noose on black-marketeers and hoarders, unethical business practices continue unabated amid prolonged shortage of essential supplies, including fuel.

For want of market monitoring, black-marketeers, hoarders and profiteers have been capitalising on the obstruction at border points called by the agitating Madhesi parties.

Police today raided three separate places in the capital and nabbed as many persons on the charge of black-marketing of fuel.

Suresh Kumar KC (30) of Bhirpani, Ramechhap was caught selling petrol for Rs 165 per litre, against the normal price of Rs 99, from a bus at Pepsicola.

Similarly, Sangita Lama (27) of Thori, Parsa, was arrested red-handed while selling petrol for Rs 250 per litre in Nagarjun.

In a separate raid, police held Bira Mukhiya (42) of Parsauni, Bara for selling petrol at Rs 290 per litre when the law enforcement officials raided his rented room in Khusibu.