Kathmandu, November 16:

Minister for Commerce and Supplies Rajendra Mahato said today that the government would introduce ration cards within a month to ensure students’ and households’ easy access to petroleum products.

Talking to a delegation comprising representatives of eight student unions at the ministry, he said, “The government has introduced a mechanism to adjust the prices of petroleum products in accordance with fluctuation in fuel prices in the international market.” “For decades, business firms have been enjoying fuel subsidy in the name of the poor. This practice cannot continue anymore.”

Minister Mahato said the ration cards’ scheme could prove to be a failure if it were executed in a hurry. “That is why, the ministry is doing serious groundwork before issuing the cards,” Mahato added.

In a memorandum submitted to the minister, the student bodies have demanded that a mechanism be put in place to fix fuel prices scientifically.

“There should be separate prices for commoners and industries.” The students threatened to go for an agitation if their demands were not met within five days.

The other demands include special subsidy for students on the purchase of kerosene and gas, controlling skyrocketing commodity prices and checking corruption and irregularities in the Nepal Oil Corporation.

The student leaders blasted Mahato for coming up with same old explanation time and time again. Pradip Paudel, chairperson, Nepal Students’ Union, Ram Kumari Jhankri, president, All Nepal National Free Students’ Union, and Himal Sharma, general secretary of the All Nepal National Independent Students’ Union, were among those present at the meeting.

“The government should act on our memorandum. If it does not, we may be compelled to communicate in more obvious ways,” Jhankri said.