The trial import of petroleum products through the Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline has commenced following the completion of pipeline expansion activities.
Pralayankar Acharya, Chief of Nepal Oil Corporation’s Madhes Provincial Office in Amlekhgunj, stated that the necessary work for the pipeline’s expansion had been finalized, enabling the trial import of petrol and kerosene.
“We have conducted a test import of 5,000 kiloliters of petrol and 1,000 kiloliters of kerosene through the pipeline. The quality of these petroleum products is currently under evaluation,” Acharya explained.
Preparations for the regular import of petroleum products via the underground pipeline are ongoing. While the system was initially planned to be operational by January 2025, Acharya noted a slight delay due to incomplete preparations. “Regular imports will commence shortly after resolving these issues,” he added.
As part of the expansion project, Indian Oil Corporation constructed two petrol tanks with a capacity of 4,100 kiloliters each at the Amlekhgunj depot. Additional infrastructure includes two transmix tanks with a 250-kiloliter capacity, 24 fully automated refueling stations, pump houses, and a laboratory.
Likhita Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. was contracted to complete the project by 2023. However, Acharya revealed that construction activities were finalized only recently.
