Dadeldhura, November 6

With the authorities’ decision to divert the fuel consignments meant for the region to the capital, the districts in the far-west region are reeling under acute fuel crisis.

Earlier, two petrol pumps were distributing petrol to local residents every day without fail. Similarly, the locals are also facing shortage of cooking gas.

“Earlier, we had enough stock of gas for the district. But, people who came home for Dashain are taking cooking gas cylinders while returning to Kathmandu. Hence, the shortage,” said Baghkhor-based LPG trader Rajendra Paneru. He added that the shortage had surfaced as around 70 per cent of the fuel entering through Kailali’s Gauriphanta entry point was being sent to the capital.

“It’s only natural for the region to witness the shortage when 70 per cent of the fuel meant for the region is sent elsewhere,” Paneru argued, adding that the fuel shortage had also hit development activities in the district.

According to Dadeldhura Construction Entrepreneurs Association Chairperson Bal Bahadur Gurung, around half a dozen development projects have halted work due to fuel shortage. “If the fuel crisis persists, it’s sure to affect the projects,” Gurung said.

Ugratara Transportation Entrepreneurs Committee Chairperson Santosh Khadka bemoaned the impact of fuel crisis on the transport sector.