The dealers had launched the strike after Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) instructed them to adhere to the state-administered price. The NOC issued the instruction after if found that the dealers were retailing fuel at prices higher than government-fixed rates. [break]
The dealers had argued that the rise in fuel price had raised their transportation cost and demanded NOC to allow them charge 50 paisa per liter extra on the government-fixed rates.
“Instead of continuing the strike, we have decided to resume sales. No matter what NOC tells us, we will continue to sell fuel at higher prices,” said Aravinda Sharma, general secretary of Nepal Petroleum Dealers´ Association (NPDA), Morang.
Dealers were retailing petrol at Rs 101.50 per liter, and diesel and kerosene at Rs 72 per liter each. The rates were 50 paisa expensive than the rate enforced by the state-owned petroleum import monopolist.
NOC said it would take action against the dealers that defy its rule and charge extra money for the supply from consumers.
Still the local association took such a decision after central committee of NPDA endorsed their demand and decided to support them.
“The strategy is clear. They want to bulldoze the rule. If NOC intervened, the NPDA will launch nationwide strike,” said an NOC official, adding that NOC will not let them succeed.
Meanwhile, severe crisis of petroleum products continued to trouble consumers in the region. The market has gone dry mainly as more than 450 pumps in the region did not receive fuel over the past six days.
Consumers found no respite even though the dealers withdrew their strike on Tuesday. Officials said the shortage prolonged because of the daylong shutdown enforced in the district by Youth Force.
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