Feeling petrol price pinch? Get your tank full in Nepal

Fuel selling in India at 93.50 is available in neighbouring country for Rs 70.62

With fuel prices rising to record high, commoners living on Bihar-Nepal border have found a new way to get some relief from spike in prices of petrol and diesel. They are reportedly travelling to the Himalayan Kingdom through porous borders to get fuel, which is approximately Rs 23 less than what it is in India.

Incidentally, most of the petrol pump outlets in Nepal are run by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

As of today (February 18), the petrol price in Bihar’s Araria district is Rs 93.50. While in bordering Nepal, the same fuel is available for Rs 70.62 (the sharp difference is due to tax structure in both the countries).

Read: After Rajasthan, petrol crosses Rs 100-mark in Madhya Pradesh

Taking advantage of the situation, some miscreants have started smuggling fuel too. According to reports from remote areas in Bihar, those residing in Araria, Jogbani and Forbesganj cross over to Nepal (through multiple porous borders) and bring in surplus fuel in their vehicle or tank/container and sell it at a premium price to small retailers in India.

The DIG of Shashastra Seema Bal (SSB) SK Sarangi has asked his officials to maintain a strict vigil on the borders so that there is no smuggling of petrol or diesel from the neighbouring nation.

“We have asked all the officers-in-charge of police station concerned to get in touch with SSB officials and patrol border areas so that people do not indulge in unscrupulous practice of smuggling fuel,” said Kumar Ashish, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bihar’s Kishanganj district, which too shares border with Nepal.