Birgunj (Parsa): The import of petroleum products through the Birgunj Customs checkpoint has dropped by over 25 percent, reflecting a slowdown in the country's construction activities. Birgunj, a major trade transit point for fuel, saw a significant decline in diesel and petrol imports in the first three months of the current fiscal year.

According to the Birgunj Customs Office, a total of 135,518 kilolitres of high-speed diesel worth Rs 12.66 billion was imported during this period, marking a 25.33 percent decrease compared to the same time last year. Revenue collection also fell by 27.43 percent due to the drop in diesel imports.

The Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline continues to supply high-speed diesel, while petrol is being imported via tankers. Pralayankar Acharya, the Chief of Nepal Oil Corporation's Provincial Office at Amlekhgunj, attributed the decline in fuel consumption to the slowdown in infrastructure and development activities, along with growing public interest in electric vehicles.

Roshan Dahal, General Secretary of the Federation of Contractors' Association of Nepal (FCAN), highlighted that the construction sector has been hampered by the rainy season and delayed payments for completed projects by government agencies. This has further contributed to the reduced demand for petroleum products.