PM Koirala requests India to normalise fuel supply
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala has requested India to ensure normal supplies of petroleum products to Nepal as fuel crisis deepens in the country following a brief hiatus.
During a meeting with Indian Ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood at his official residence in Baluwatar Thursday morning, PM Koirala also expressed gratitude to India for lifting the ban on export of cement and clinkers to Nepal in response to Nepal government’s request.
The first sitting of the Constituent Assembly, implementation of republican agenda, recent activities of the Maoists including the country's political situation featured highly during the discussion, it is learnt.
The fuel shortage in the country has returned with a vengeance after the Constituent Assembly election as queues of customers in front of petrol stations has started to become a normal sight in Kathmandu valley and outside. Owing to its inability to pay off past dues and rising monthly losses standing at Rs 1.5 billion, Nepal Oil Corporation, the state-owned oil monopoly in the country, has been unable to secure enough imports from its Indian supplier, Indian Oil Corporation, hence deepening the shortage.
Petroleum dealers have also threatened that they will stage an indefinite strike from May 28 if the government doesn’t ensure smooth supply of petroleum products immediately. nepalnews.com ag May 22 08
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