LAMJUNG: Even though government rule states that inflammable substance like petrol be traded only through petrol pumps, it is being sold unrestricted in plastic bottles from various local places in Lamjung district.

The district administration is silent even though petrol is being sold by traders without licence, who are charging unregulated prices to the customers. The concerned authorities have not been able to monitor and control such illegal marketing of petrol.

In Lamjung, Bhadrakali Oil Store and Bhotewadar Oil Store are the two petrol pumps in operation presently. Though these petrol pumps are in operation, nearly three dozen owners of grocery stores, vegetable stores and local cafes in the district have been selling petrol in mineral water bottles for years now.

The petrol is being sold in this manner from Paundibazaar, near the district border to Tanahun, to Sundarbazaar, Khatrithanti, Kunchha, Siundibaar, Bhotewadar, Khudi, Bhorletar, and Sotipasal.

The consumers are forced to purchase petrol that is being sold in such unregulated manner. Despite having to resort to purchasing petrol in this way, the consumers complain that the petrol sold in such bottles are less than a litre and is adulterated.

The petrol stored inside a plastic bottle, which has dust particles mixed into it, is also harmful for the engine of the vehicles, according to mechanical experts.

People selling petrol illegally have been charging Rs 120 to Rs 130 per litre. It is highly dangerous to sell inflammable substance like petrol in a careless manner, however, nobody seems to be paying any attention to it.