Petroleum shortage in Sunsari

DHARAN: Petroleum products are in short supply in Sunsari district due to the week-long bandh in Biratnagar and Mechi Zone.

Mechi Zone Bus Entrepreneurs Association has imposed the Mechi bandh demanding relief for the kin of Dipak Pandey, a driver who was killed three months ago. While in Biratnagar, six students' unions have been agitating, seeking compensation for the family of Narbada Chaudhari, a student who was killed in a road accident 10 days ago.

"The crisis has benefitted the dealers. They are selling petrol for Rs 100 to 150 per litre," Ambar Adhikari, a motorcyclist from Pakali, said. "I bought three litres of petrol paying Rs 450 at Jhumka today."

The shortage has hit Dharan, Jhumka, Duhabi and Inaruwa, giving rise to black marketeering. Locals have accused the local administration and Sunsari Chamber of Commerce and Industries of doing nothing to curb the malpractice. Petroleum products are imported into the region from India via Jogbani border point.