Nepal has not imported any gasoline from China in the past.
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Asked whether or not China has commenced provides to Nepal, at present hit by the Indian-origin Madhesis’ protests over the brand new structure, Lu stated “in view of their (Nepal’s) request, we’ll do our greatest to offer help and each side are in communication”.
On Wednesday, Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and China National United Oil Corporation (PetroChina) had signed an agreement on the supply of petroleum products to Nepal.
Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Dipak Adhikary confirmed that Nepal inked an settlement with China to import gasoline to deal with the extreme disaster within the nation because of the blockade within the southern border with India.
It would be the first time Nepal would be getting fuel from China, effectively ending India’s monopoly on the fuel supply.
Delhi has restricted fuel supplies after protesters, demanding more rights for their traditionally marginalized ethnic groups, blocked a key border crossing point.
The Government of India has noted that due to the ongoing protests in the border areas Nepal with India it has become impossible to send supplies to Nepal due to security concerns. The halt in fuel shipments has also jeopardized Nepal’s efforts to rebuild and recover after a set of massive earthquakes in April and May destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes nationwide and left thousands dead. Moreover, China has also agreed to donate 1.3 million litres of petrol to Nepal earlier. It will take about 100 tanker trucks to transport it to the capital, where it was likely to arrive by early next week. “Now, the door has been opened to import fuel from China”. Only one has reopened this month.
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According to Nepali reports, the fuel agreement was reached with China after the working group held talks in Beijing. Last year, Indian companies signed agreements to build two hydropower plants worth $2.2 billion, while a Chinese company is finalizing a deal to build another plant for $1.5 billion.
