NOC blamed for extended petroleum shortage in Nepal

Nepal Petroleum Dealers’ National Association (NPDNA) blamed Nepal Oil Corp. (NOC) for the extended petroleum shortage. The NPDNA said that instead of supplying dealers with more fuel, NOC supplied more fuel to industries, creating a shortage in the market. The fuel shortage in Nepal began in early December following a 30% reduction in the importation of petroleum products, which the state attributed to huge losses. Commerce and Supplies Secretary and NOC Chairman Purushottam Ojha denied the allegations of mismanagement. “The shortage is prolonged due to lack of money rather than mismanagement,” he explained. (January 5, 2012)