Kathmandu, February 18:

Transport entrepreneurs today demanded resignation of Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply Shyam Sundar Gupta for his “complete failure” to ensure smooth supply of fuel in the country.

Speaking at a press conference organised by five trade unions, Dinesh Bhandari, president of Federation of Nepali National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE) said: “Minister Gupta should resign because he has not been able to supply petroleum in the country and the Prime Minister himself should handle this ministry.”

He also suggested the government to hold talks with the agitating parties in the Tarai to ensure an environment conducive for the smooth supply of petroleum products.

Transport entrepreneurs are willing to run their vehicles, even during the protests,

but only if the government ensure the security of the vehicles, he said.

“Almost 90 per cent of the vehicles in Kathmandu are off the road these days due to shortage of fuel,” he said.

Transport entrepreneurs also asked the agitators in the Tarai region to withdraw strikes and sit for talks with the government.

“Although everyone has the right to protest, anyone staging a protest must understand that a protest action should not cause problems and affect the daily life of other people,”

he said.

He further added that the government should also address the genuine demands of agitating parties in the Madhes region immediately.