Kathmandu, March 9
There are indications of an artificial shortage of petroleum products affecting the Kathmandu Valley, what with unrest in the southern plains in the wake of the Saptari killings and UDMF protests.
Many fuel stations in the valley have not distributed oil and long lines of vehicles waiting for oil have become common.
Meanwhile, the state-owned Nepal Oil Corporation has appealed consumers not to panic, pointing that oil supply is smooth. Thanks to panic buying, the demand for oil has increased in the valley despite a smooth supply.
NOC spokesman Sitaram Pokharel said: There has so far been no effect of tension in the Tarai on oil supply. Today also, 1,000 litres (1 kl) of petrol is entering the valley.
People have started buying oil in excess, fearing that tension brewing in the Tarai may cause an oil crisis like last year. Though NOC says it is sending oil as usual in the market, surging demand is taking its toll on supplies.
Pokharel said NOC has sent 800 kl of petrol and 950 kl of diesel in the market on Thursday alone.
The long lines for oil, seen in the valley on Thursday, may also be the result of a halt in the distribution of petroleum products on Wednesday. NOC said all fuel stations in the valley will start distributing oil from Thursday.
