Petroleum dealers have so far been collecting three percent of total sales as commission. NOC has proposed dealers Rs 1.85 per liter as sales commission.
“The newly introduced system has left us worrying. Petroleum dealers were facing hard times sustaining business even with the 3 percent commission on sales amid rising interest rate and operating cost,” Saroj Pandey, president of the association, told media persons on Sunday.
“The new decision ignores a joint-secretary level panel´s recommendation of giving three percent commission.”
Pandey said the association would be compelled to announce protest if the government did not withdraw its decision.
Dealers had already expressed their objection to the Finance Minister and the Minister for Commerce and Supplies.
Pandey said the association will conduct a study on reform measures that can be implemented in NOC to bail the state-owned oil supplier out of the present crisis.
Petroleum dealers have also flayed the government´s move of introducing digital dispensing system in refilling stations with the objective of replacing the existing mechanical system within a year.
“It´s not practical. The government must review it,” Pandey added.
He also expressed dissatisfaction over the report prepared by Bhim Acharya-led panel, stating that it has failed incorporate suggestions to end existing mismanagement and corruption in NOC.
Tankers operators warn of protest
Nepal Petroleum Tanker Entrepreneurs Federation (NPTOF) on Sunday warned of halting fuel supply from Tuesday to protest the government decision of withdrawing the decision of adding new permits on Raxaul-Kathmandu route.
The government had withdrawn the decision two weeks ago following the protest by Central Regional Petroleum Tanker Entrepreneurs Association.
“The government withdrew its decision to serve the vested interest of some persons. We will be compelled to launch strong protest if the decision is not corrected,” said Manoj Kumar Das, coordinator of the association´s struggle committee.
NOC four days ago had issued permit to 60 of the 138 tankers plying on Barauni-Amlekhgunj route to operate on Raxaul-Kathmandu route. The cost of ferrying fuel on Raxaul-Kathmandu route is Rs 1.13 liter less than the cost on Barauni-Amlekhgunj route.
“Bowing to pressure, NOC has taken the decision that will upscale its loss. We´ve launched the protest to press the NOC withdraw its irresponsible decision,” Das added.
More than 524 tankers are in operation on the Raxaul-Kathmandu route.
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