New Supplies Minister to ease petrol supply within 10 days

Minister for Commerce and Supplies Rajendra Mahato said Friday that the government would ease the supply of petroleum products within the next ten days as there has been a decision to provide Rs 3 billion to the cash-strapped state-owned oil import monopoly Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) for this.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Association of Morang Industries in Biratnagar, he said they are also holding discussion with the Indian authorities on importing the petroleum products from Kakadvitta checkpoint via Indian town of Siliguri as the Jogbani checkpoint has been obstructed by the recent flooding.

Minister Mahato also said that the government is about to buy 40,000 metric tons of sugar from India to avoid the shortage of sugar during the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals and check its skyrocketing prices.

He also warned that those who indulge in black-marketing, adultering and hoarding of essential supplies would be severely dealt with.

"Those found involved in these activities would have their license cancelled," he warned.

In Sunsari chiefly to inspect the flood affected region, Minister Mahato said that the government would take initiative to arrange relief and rehabilitation for the flood victims, adding that there should be a monitoring mechanism to see if the relief materials have been properly distributed. nepalnews.com Sep 05 08