May 24: The trade union of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has objected to the government's decision to hand over the responsibility of importing petrol, diesel and cooking gas to the private sector.

Speaking at a programme organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Sunday, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Dilendra Prasad Badu had said that homework is being done to hand over the responsibility of supplying petroleum products in the country to the private sector.

Madhumas Pun, the chairperson of the Nepal Oil Corporation’s Trade Union, objected to the government's decision after this announcement, claiming that the private sector will not be able to provide services to consumers like the government is providing currently if the responsibility of importing petroleum products is handed over to them.

He objected to the government's decision through his social media page saying that it will not be acceptable to ruin the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) by not letting it adjust the fuel price making it bankrupt by denying money to buy oil while colluding with the private sector to hand over the responsibilities of supplying fuel in the country.

He mentioned that if the responsibility is shifted to the private sector, the consumers will not be able to buy petrol at Rs 180 as its actual cost is Rs 195 per liter. Meanwhile, diesel which costs Rs 163 will cost Rs 190 per liter and gas cylinder worth Rs 1800 will cost Rs 2680 per cylinder if the private sector handles the fuel supply, said Pun.

He also mentioned that the state should always work for the welfare of the people.