Imports of ATF, LPG via Birgunj plummet

PARSA, AUGUST 4: Imports of cooking gas (liquefied petroleum gas) and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) via the Birgunj point decreased last fiscal year compared to the previous fiscal year. Data shows that the import of cooking gas decreased by four percent, while the import of jet fuel witnessed a significant fall of 71 percent.

According to Birgunj Customs Office's information officer, Raghulal Karna, in 2022/23, a total of 290,287 metric tons of cooking gas amounting to Rs 33.13 billion was imported, whereas 267,048 metric tons worth Rs 30 billion had been imported in 2023/24. The imports decreased by 11,238 metric tons.

Similarly, the data indicates that 597,144 kiloliters (KL) of jet fuel worth Rs 17.31 billion was imported in the previous year via the point, compared to 173,484 KL last fiscal year. However, the value of the fuel imported last fiscal year was Rs 18.21 billion due to the increased price of ATF.

Despite a reduction in the imports of cooking gas and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), the imports of diesel and petrol increased. Diesel imports rose by four percent, while petrol imports increased by two percent compared to the previous year.

In 2023/24, diesel imports amounted to Rs 113.58 billion for 1,040,506 KL, and petrol imports totalled Rs 38.24 billion for 389,711 KL. In 2022/23 diesel imports were valued at Rs 109.29 billion for 1,083,520 KL, and petrol imports at Rs 39.02 billion for 394,723 KL.

It is noted that 70 per cent of Nepal's fuel requirements are met through supplies via Birgunj.