Diesel imports through Birgunj have decreased, while petrol imports have risen. According to the Birgunj Customs Office, diesel imports have dropped by 1.13 percent during the first five months of the current fiscal year 2024/25.

Revenue collection from these imports has also decreased by 6.91 percent in the same period. During the first five months of fiscal year 2023/25, as much as 366,719 kiloliters of diesel worth Rs 32.35 billion was imported, compared to 370,920 kiloliters worth Rs 40.36 billion during the same period last year.

In contrast, petrol imports have increased. A total of 188,345 kiloliters of petrol worth Rs 16.21 billion was imported in the first five months of the current fiscal year, up from 162,046 kiloliters worth Rs 16.39 billion during the same period last fiscal year. This represents a 16.23 percent increase in quantity and a 12.52 percent increase in revenue, the office reported.

Diesel is imported via the Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline, while petrol is imported by tankers. The Nepal Oil Corporation has announced plans to begin importing petrol and kerosene through the pipeline later this month.

Meanwhile, Rabi Singh, president of the Federation of Contractors’ Associations of Nepal, said that petroleum product consumption is expected to rise as infrastructure construction projects gain momentum.