Pokhara, October 30

As the ongoing fuel crisis continues to push people across the country over the edge, entrepreneurs in Pokhara have warned that they will launch an agitation if the authorities fail to ensure them smooth supply of petroleum products.

Serving a two-day ultimatum to the local administration, the entrepreneurs said they will pile pressure on the government and obstruct highways through which vehicles carrying petroleum products are sent to the capital.

At a discussion organised by the Pokhara Tourism Council on Thursday, an umbrella organisation of tourism entrepreneurs bemoaned state apathy towards their concerns.

To convey their concerns, a delegation of entrepreneurs had visited the DAO on Friday.

“Every day we see fuel tankers heading for Kathmandu through Narayangadh and Muglin but no fuel tanker has entered Pokhara. We are on the verge of closing down our businesses,” said Ganesh Bahadur Bhattarai, coordinator of the Pokhara Tourism Revival Committee, accusing the government of being indifferent to the plight of tourism entrepreneurs.

Vice-chairperson of the Pokhara chapter of Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Dev Chhetri, said the fuel shortage had caused a huge setback to the tourism industry. “The entire tourism industry is facing a crisis. The regional administration has assured us of providing fuel. But if the pledge is not fulfilled, we will be compelled to take to the streets,” said Chhetri.