Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Lekh Raj Bhatta on Saturday clarified that the authority to import petroleum products could not be given to private sector reasoning that the matter belongs to national security.
Referring to India when the import of petroleum products was in the hand of a multinational company, he ruled out handing the authority of importing fuels to private sector as an alternative to the state-owned Nepal Oil Corporation.
The minister was addressing the seventh annual general meeting and fourth national general convention of the Gas Dealers Federation Nepal here Saturday. "Petroleum products are a serious issue. The state should take all its responsibility," he said.
On the other hand, saying he was ready to remove hurdles being faced by gas dealers to operate their business, he asked them for talks in this regard. "The House of Representatives has just been restored. Do not doubt, the problems of private sector cannot be resolved by upsetting the incumbent government. This government will solve the problems of entrepreneurs."
On the occasion, deputy executive director of the NOC Sushil Bhattarai drew the attention of the concerned authority to safety of sales depots while gas dealers have complained of decrease in their margins. He suggested that their margins be settled through dialogue.
President of the Federation Maheshwor Kumar Shrestha said the Federation has been working for the welfare and rights of gas dealers. The general convention will elect new leadership for two years.
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