Supply of essential goods, including petroleum products, have increased from Rupaidiha-Nepalgunj, Jogbani-Biratnagar, and Panitanki-Kakadbhitta border points in the recent days.

Obstructions, however, remain at Sunauli-Bhairahawa border and Raxaul-Birgunj border, the busiest customs point between India and Nepal. Although there is no obstruction at the Sunauli-Bhairahawa crossing, the Indian authorities are still restricting the cargo movement.

Raxaul-Birgunj border point, meanwhile, is still being obstructed by the supporters of the agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM).

Director General of the Department of Customs Shishir Dhungana informed that import of petroleum products has increased in the past three days. “The entry of cargo trucks increased after the customs clearing process was eased by the Indian side,” Dhungana said.

At least 225 cargo trucks entered Nepal from Rupaidiha-Nepalgunj border point on Thursday. This is the first time a large number of cargoes entered Nepal from the border. Normally, around 80 cargoes used to enter Nepal from the border. Nepalgunj Customs Office informed that 42 fuel tankers, including diesel, petrol and LPG, entered Nepal from Rupaidiha.

Around 175 cargoes carrying various essential materials also entered Nepal from the Indian side of the border, customs sources told.

Sub-inspector Bishnu Giri of Area Police Office, Jamunaha, said a large number of cargoes entered Nepal after the Indian border security force, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), relaxed the restriction. Though the SLMM supporters had gathered at the border in the morning, the SSB had allowed the cargoes through. “This was not the case before. The SSB didn’t allow cargo trucks to pass whenever there were Morcha supporters at the border. Activities at the border has become normal as before,” said Giri.

Cargo driver Binod Mehata said they were relieved to have finally got the permission to make the crossing. “We have been stranded at Rupaidiha for a month,” he said.

Fifty-three fuel tankers and 153 cargo trucks reached Biratnagar from Jogbani on Thursday. Customs officer Krishna Bahadur Basnet said 28 tankers diesel, 11 tankers petrol and 14 gas bullets entered from Jogbani. “At least 297 cargoes, including 32 diesel tankers, eight petrol tankers, and a gas bullet had entered Nepal from the Indian side on Wednesday,” Basnet added.  

Kakadbhitta Customs Office informed that 123 cargoes, including 22 fuel tankers entered from Panitanki on Thursday. Similarly, Bhairahawa Customs Office reported that 38 cargoes carrying vegetables, fruits and other materials arrived at Bhairahawa from Sunauli.

 “The Indian authorities have also assured to release 14 LPG bullets after 8 pm,” said Rabi Parikh, a person responsible in managing vehicle parking at Bhairahawa Customs Office.