KATHMANDU: The extension of the petroleum pipeline from Amlekhgunj in Bara to Lothar in Chitwan is set to progress soon.
Following the completion of the Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline, the work to extend the pipeline to Lothar, covering 69 kilometers, is being initiated.
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) spokesperson Manoj Thakur informed that the field study by a high-level technical team from both Nepal and India has been completed, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being prepared.
The pipeline extension will allow for the storage of up to 100,000 liters of petroleum at Lothar. Thakur expressed confidence that once the pipeline is operational, there will be no shortage of petroleum products in the western and northern regions of Nepal.
Furthermore, with the completion of the Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline extension, testing has begun for the import of petroleum products through the pipeline.
Pralayankar Acharya, the chief of the NOC’s Madhesh Regional Office in Amlekhgunj, mentioned that fuel such as petrol and kerosene has been transported via the new pipeline for testing purposes.
A total of 5,500 kiloliter of petrol and 1,000 kiloliter of kerosene have been brought in, and testing of the petroleum products is ongoing.
Discussions are also taking place regarding the official inauguration of the pipeline by the Prime Ministers of both countries and how regular imports will begin.
Although it was expected that regular petroleum imports would start by January 2025, Acharya indicated that some delays might occur due to the completion of necessary preparations.
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