Kathmandu, September 6
The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has started bringing petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) into Kathmandu through an alternative route after the Krishnabhir section of the Prithvi Highway was blocked.
According to the corporation, petroleum products and LPG are currently being supplied to Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas through the Tribhuvan Highway, also known as the Byroad.
The Prithvi Highway was damaged on August 30 after the Trishuli River eroded the road at the Krishnabhir section, leaving fuel tankers and LPG bullets stranded.
Following the disruption, the NOC began using the alternative route to transport LPG cylinders filled at industries in the Tarai to Kathmandu.
The corporation said around 24,500 LPG cylinders were brought into the Kathmandu Valley on September 3, followed by approximately 34,134 cylinders on September 4.
The NOC has also been supplying aviation fuel and LPG for ongoing search and rescue operations following the Bhotekoshi River flood that struck on August 26.
The flood caused extensive damage in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan, while search and rescue operations continue in several affected areas.
According to the NOC, helicopters deployed for rescue operations have so far been refuelled with 120,000 litres of aviation fuel from the Nepal Army barracks in Nuwakot.
The corporation has also sent 575 LPG cylinders to temporary shelters in Rasuwa and Nuwakot following a request from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA).
The rerouting of fuel and LPG supplies comes as authorities continue to deal with disruptions to road networks caused by flood damage, while ensuring the regular supply of essential petroleum products to Kathmandu Valley.
