Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Saturday held a meeting with Indian ambassador Shiva Shankar Mukharjee to discuss the prevailing petro-crisis in Nepal.
During the meeting held at his official residence Baluwatar, PM Koirala is learnt to have asked Mukharjee to take initiative for the smooth resumption of petroleum products' supply to Nepal from India. According to the sources, he also assured that a political understanding would be reached shortly following which owing to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) would be cleared.
According to the report, Indian envoy said to PM Koirala that he would convey the PM's request to his government immediately.
Dr. Suresh Chalise, foreign advisor to the PM, told that the problem was expected to be resolved within a few days.
As IOC slashed the supply of petroleum products by 40 percent demanding clearance of all outstanding dues, Nepal has been facing petro-crisis for last few days.
The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) owes over Rs. 6 billion to the IOC, and it has also not paid the monthly bills for the last month.
The PM Koirala and Mukharjee also discussed latest political developments in Nepal, activities of the Maoists after joining the government, constituent assembly election dates and other bilateral issues.
Petroleum supply to resume by Tuesday
Meanwhile, a news report from New Delhi said IOC is resuming the supply of petroleum products to Nepal by Tuesday, as NOC made a payment of IRs 600 million to IOC on Thursday.
“A short term arrangement has been made to supply up to 3,000 kilolitres per day for a few days to tide over the fuel crisis,” The Indian Express reported Saturday quoting an IOC source as saying.
When asked about IOC’s latest decision, NOC officials said it would take three-four days more for the supply to become normal in the Valley.
|
Set as homepage 
|
Add to favorites 
|
