Kathmandu— Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has secured alternative transportation routes to maintain petroleum and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supplies to Kathmandu Valley and surrounding districts following flood damage to the Prithvi Highway, with increased transportation times and costs affecting consumers.

Alternative Routes and Transportation Challenges

NOC has arranged alternative routes to maintain fuel supply after the Trishuli River damaged a section of the Prithvi Highway at Krishnabhir, disrupting movement of fuel tankers and LPG bullet tankers.

The Bhotekoshi River flood on August 26 caused extensive loss of life and property in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, prompting large-scale search, rescue, and relief operations in the affected areas.

Petroleum products are now being transported via the Tribhuvan Highway, commonly known as the Bairoad, with the journey taking 13–14 hours longer than the usual six to seven hours via the Prithvi Highway.

NOC and LPG industry officials are working to increase supply through alternative routes and seek government assistance for dedicated time slots to improve delivery efficiency.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.