Bagmati: The trial import of petroleum products via the Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline has commenced, marking a significant step in Nepal's efforts to streamline fuel transportation.

According to Pralayankar Acharya, Chief of Nepal Oil Corporation's Madhes Provincial Office, Amlekhgunj, all infrastructure for the expansion of the pipeline has been completed. As part of the trial, 5,000 kilolitres of petrol and 1,000 kilolitres of kerosene have been imported through the pipeline, and their quality is currently being tested.

Preparations for the regular import of petroleum products through the underground pipeline are underway. While the system was initially planned to begin regular operations in January 2025, Acharya noted that slight delays are expected due to the need for additional preparations.

The expansion project, carried out by the Indian Oil Corporation, included the construction of two petrol tanks with a combined capacity of 4,100 kilolitres at the Amlekhgunj depot, two transmix tanks with a 250-kilolitre capacity, 24 fully automated loading way re-fillers, pump houses, and a laboratory. Likhita Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, the contractor responsible for the project, had been expected to complete the work by the end of 2023, but construction concluded only recently.

This pipeline expansion is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of petroleum product imports, reducing transportation costs and environmental impacts associated with traditional methods of fuel delivery.