KATHMANDU: Not a single tanker transporting petroleum products has entered Nepal through the eastern customs point in Kakadbhitta for a week, despite the Indian government’s instruction to open the unofficial blockade.
The trucks ferrying food commodities, clinker, chemical and fish have continued to enter from the eastern transit point which remain untouched by the Madhes agitation, said Mechi Customs Office Information Official, Dipendra Jha.
A total of 36 tankers that entered India to refill fuel at Siliguri-based depot of the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) a week ago are awaiting their turn to refill. Mechi Petroleum Entrepreneurs Association Chair, Laya Bhandari said he expected at least six tankers transporting fuel products to enter Nepal by the evening.
Bhandari said three diesel tankers, two petrol tankers and one aviation fuel tanker were refilled by the IOC’s Siliguri depot. He added that the tanker would reenter Nepal by the evening.
Mechi Customs Office, Kakadbhitta Chief Bhim Prasad Adhikari said 36 trucks ferrying merchandise had entered Nepal in the morning. He said the trucks contained clinker used in cement, potatoes, onions and other commodities.
More than 150 trucks are stranded at Panitanki area in India awaiting permission to return to Nepal. It does not contain tankers carrying fuel products.
