Nepal Oil, Indian Oil to consider operating fuel stations together in Nepal
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) will explore the possibility of putting up a joint venture (JV) company in Nepal. The JV is expected to operate retail petroleum stations in the country and set up storage facilities particularly in remote areas, reports the Kathmandu Post.
An IOC delegation arrived in Nepal last Monday to meet with NOC officials and visit petrol pumps and gas bottling plants.
IOC has been considering to operate more than 100 stations and a number of gas plants, which is something that complements NOC's plans and fulfills its goal of standardizing fuel distribution and ensuring regular supply.
The JV proposal, however, could create a monopoly, said Achyut Khadka, president of the Bagmati Petroleum Dealers’ Association. It could also stir up negative public opinion as the 2015 Indian trade embargo is still fresh in the public mind.
