KATHMANDU: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has removed the locks placed on 14 petrol pumps—eight in Kathmandu and six in Pokhara. The pumps have resumed operations after the fuel supply issue, which emerged in the market immediately after a drop in petroleum prices, was resolved.

Following the price reduction, public complaints mounted that various petrol pumps across the country were refusing to distribute fuel to consumers, thereby creating an artificial shortage. In response, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Gauri Kumari Yadav, directed the oil corporation to conduct immediate market monitoring. Following her directives, an NOC team carried out surprise inspections at various pumps in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

During the monitoring, the pumps had completely halted distribution, claiming they were out of fuel. As a result, the NOC temporarily locked down those 14 pumps.

After pump operators maintained that they genuinely had no fuel in stock, the corporation conducted inspections and verified the shortage. Following the verification, fuel supplies were replenished, and the locks on all closed pumps were subsequently removed. According to the Nepal Oil Corporation, there is currently no fuel shortage in the market, and all petrol pumps are smoothly distributing petroleum products as usual.