Kathmandu – The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) is preparing to bring petrol and kerosene from India via the pipeline from Motihari starting from the last week of this month, alongside the diesel that has been imported through the pipeline since 2019.
The multi-product pipeline, which was designed to import petrol, diesel, and kerosene, is now in the final stages of bringing petrol and kerosene. The NOC’s Madhes regional office head, Pralayankar Acharya, confirmed that the project is nearing completion. The second phase of the project, which involves importing petrol and kerosene through the pipeline, has successfully completed its testing.
Acharya explained, “As a part of the trial, we have brought petrol and kerosene to Amlekhgunj, and new pipelines and tanks have been constructed in the depot for storage. We are now conducting tests for charging and the quality of the meters.”
On October 18, the NOC transported 5,500 kiloliters of petrol, and on December 26, it brought 1,000 kiloliters of kerosene to Amlekhgunj. The NOC is now in a position to continuously bring petrol and kerosene along with diesel through the pipeline. The testing of the pipeline is ongoing, keeping in mind the sensitive nature of petroleum products.
Acharya added, “We are monitoring for any possible small leakages. We plan to inaugurate the second phase of the pipeline project by the end of this month. After that, petrol and kerosene will gradually arrive in Amlekhgunj. Importing petroleum products via pipeline is considered much safer compared to truck tankers, as it will reduce accidents, fuel theft, adulteration, and environmental pollution.”
The pipeline has the capacity to bring in up to 6,000 kiloliters of petroleum products daily to Amlekhgunj. However, the full capacity operation has not been reached yet due to the current demand not being sufficient. “The NOC will be able to operate at full capacity when diesel, petrol, and kerosene are imported through the pipeline,” Acharya said.
This project, the first of its kind in South Asia, is 69.2 kilometers long, with 33 kilometers in India and 36.2 kilometers in Nepal. The project was inaugurated jointly by the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of Nepal and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 10, 2019.
The NOC has been supplying fuel from the Amlekhgunj depot to various locations, including Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Thankot, Pokhara, Birgunj, and Janakpur. Local distribution to petrol stations also takes place from Amlekhgunj.
Amlekhgunj Depot Moving to Full Automation
Amlekhgunj depot, which has been in operation for nearly five decades, is transitioning to full automation. As part of the second phase of the pipeline project, four new vertical tanks for storing petrol, diesel, and kerosene have been constructed at the depot. Additionally, two transmix tanks and fire control systems have been set up to maintain the purity of the petroleum products transported via the pipeline.
Engineer Prashant Bhattrai mentioned that 24 fully automated loading bays, top filling and bottom filling arrangements, and an advanced laboratory have been constructed, with tests completed. “The storage tanks and new loading bays are about 800 meters apart, making the depot even safer,” he said.
The Amlekhgunj depot, spread across 67,724 square meters, was constructed in 1973 and started operations in 1976. It is the largest depot in the country. The depot currently has a storage capacity of 15,110 kiloliters of petrol, 24,810 kiloliters of diesel, and 2,270 kiloliters of kerosene. The government has plans to expand storage capacity in all provinces to meet at least three months’ worth of demand.
Amlekhgunj-Lothar Pipeline Extension Soon
The third phase of the pipeline project involves extending the pipeline from Amlekhgunj to Lothar in Chitwan. A team of experts from Indian Oil Corporation is currently in Nepal to assist with the extension. Acharya stated, “Further surveys are necessary for the project, especially regarding forests and protected areas along the pipeline route. Work on the extension is expected to begin next month.”
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