Petrol crisis hits revellers during Dashain

HILIHANG, PANCHTHAR: Panchthar saw a shortage of petrol during the festive time of Dashain. The quantity of petroleum products, imported before Dashain, was not adequate to address the demand during the festival.

With the crisis of petrol, people travelling to visit their relatives to receive 'tika' and devotees visiting Taplejung-based Pathibhara Temple, a famous religious site in the eastern region, were hit hard.

“We set out on our journey to the temple for offering worship but were stranded on the way. We approached petrol pumps but to no avail. We were in a dilemma as to how we would get back to our homes,” said Anil Tiwari, who travelled to Pathibhara Temple from Birtamod, Jhapa.

Like Tiwari, there were many others who faced petrol crisis during the time of festivities.

“Petrol was not available in pumps but it was being sold outside at the rate of Rs 150 per litre. I was compelled to buy petrol at an exorbitant price outside,” said Hari Neupane, who was travelling to his father-in-law’s house at Chandragadhi in Jhapa from Yangwarak Rural Municipality of Panchthar.

Locals have complained that the concerned authorities have remained silent when traders openly sold petrol at higher price by creating artificial shortage.