Nepal today lifted five-month-long rationing of fuel following significant improvement in supplies from India. Nepal imposed rationing of fuel after the turbulence over the new Constitution saw a blockade of key border trade points and violent protests in the country.
Under the quota, people were getting merely five litres of petrol for two-wheelers and 15 litres for four-wheelers at a time besides half-filled LPG cylinders. Motorists will now get any amount of fuel, while households can buy fully filled cooking gas cylinders.
Stating that supply of petroleum products from Indian Oil Corporation is increasing with every passing day after the blockade was lifted nearly a fortnight ago, Ministry of Supplies had considered the decision to this effect yesterday.
The easing comes as Nepal’s prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli visits India to repair strained ties caused by the blockade.
The impoverished country is heavily dependent on India for fuel and other supplies.
Kathmandu accused New Delhi of imposing an “unofficial blockade” at other border crossings in support of the Madhesis, who share close cultural, linguistic and family links with Indians — a charge Delhi denies.
More than 50 people were killed in clashes between police and members of the Madhesi community protesting against the new federal constitution, which they say leaves them politically marginalised.
The Madhesis called off the blockade after Nepali and Indian businessmen and locals dismantled protesters’ tents to clear the border.
