Nepal looks for new suppliers of petroleum products to fight India's blockade

Nepal has called bids from both national and international fuel companies to supply petroleum products following two weeks long undeclared-blockade and halt in all supplies from India.

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the sole distributor of fuel in the country, issued a global tender on Thursday, seeking 200 kl diesel, 100 kl petrol, 200 kl aviation fuel and kerosene and 100 metric tons of cooking gas initially.

This is the first time in history that NOC has called bids through public notice after the fuel crisis hit hard the country ahead of its biggest festival Dashain.

NOC made such decision after the Nepal government on Wednesday directed to seek alternatives and address the fuel crunch at the earliest.

Nepal is reeling under huge shortage after Indian Oil Corporation declined to refill the empty oil tanks in the bordering cities citing security reasons two weeks ago. However, India has been denying any such embargo to the Himalayan nation.

NOC has provided a deadline of three days to national and international fuel companies to present their bidding to supply fuel either via air or land. NOC has planned to select the best fuel supplier through competitive bidding process. Endi