BIRGUNJ: Imports through the Birgunj customs point surged to Rs 794.87 billion during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, marking a 15% increase compared to the same period last fiscal year.

According to Information Officer Udaya Singh Bista, this represents a rise of Rs 102.44 billion from last year’s 10-month total of Rs 692.43 billion, driven primarily by an influx of petroleum products and iron-related commodities.

Data shows that five types of petroleum products topped the import list, valued at Rs 181.70 billion.

This was followed by iron and steel items worth Rs 69.42 billion, machinery and spare parts totaling Rs 57.66 billion, and crude soybean oil amounting to Rs 55.07 billion.