The trend of smuggling petroleum products from various Nepal-India border points is on the rise after India imposed an undeclared blockade on Nepal.

 “People who were involved in illegally supplying betel nuts to India in the past have now started smuggling petroleum products to Nepal and selling them in exorbitant prices,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Shyam Krishna Adhikari.

 He said police have started arresting such people illegally importing petroleum products from Panitanki in India.

People are seen selling petrol and diesel at Kakadvitta chowk though there is no fuel available at local fuel stations. A local resident said smugglers have been selling a liter of petrol for around Rs 200. “We have been compelled to buy their petrol due to the shortage,” he said.

Locals said both Nepal and Indian nationals are involved in the illegal business for quick buck. The petroleum products are ferried using motorcycles, rickshaws and bicycles from the border points. P Sud, a Seema Surakshya Bal official at Panitanki said vehicles bearing Nepali and Indian number plates are busy in transporting petroleum products. “A single vehicle crosses the border 20 times a day,” he said.

Locals, meanwhile, said local authorities have remained silent though smugglers are running the illegal business openly.

Meanwhile, Chief District Officer Tej Prasad Paudel said they have asked police to take action against the black marketers.  

Similarly, Kamalaesh Aryal, Nepal Oil Corporation chief in Mechi, said the current crisis of petroleum products led to the illegal trade.