Kathmandu, Dec 21: Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the government entity, is set to begin importing petrol and kerosene oil through the Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline from late Poush. Since 2076 BS, NOC has been importing diesel via this pipeline.
According to Pralayankar Acharya, head of NOC’s Madhesh Regional Office, the final preparations to utilize the multi-product pipeline for petrol and kerosene are nearing completion. NOC has successfully tested the second phase of the project, which involves importing these fuels through the pipeline.
“We have brought petrol and kerosene to Amlekhgunj on a trial basis, and new pipelines and tanks for storage have been constructed. Currently, the system is undergoing charging and meter quality testing,” Acharya said with the RSS reporters.
In earlier trials, NOC transported 5,500 kiloliters of petrol on Ashoj 18 and 1,000 kiloliters of kerosene on Mangsir 26. NOC is now ready to continuously transport petrol and kerosene through the pipeline along with diesel. Given the sensitivity of petroleum products, extensive testing is ongoing to ensure safe operations.
“We are closely monitoring for potential minor leaks. The second phase of the pipeline project is scheduled for inauguration by the end of this month. Afterward, petrol and kerosene will gradually start being transported to Amlekhgunj via the pipeline,” Acharya explained.
Safer and More Efficient Import
Transporting petroleum products via pipeline is considered much safer compared to using tanker trucks. Pipeline transport will significantly reduce tanker accidents, fuel theft, adulteration, and environmental pollution.
The pipeline has the capacity to transport 6,000 kiloliters of petroleum products daily to Amlekhgunj. However, due to current demand levels, full-capacity operation is not yet necessary. “We are not at the stage where 6,000 kiloliters of petroleum products need to be imported daily. But once petrol, diesel, and kerosene imports are fully operational through the pipeline, full-capacity operations will become feasible,” Acharya added.
South Asia’s First Cross-Border Pipeline
The Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline is the first cross-border petroleum pipeline in South Asia. Spanning a total length of 69.2 km, 33 km lies in India and 36.2 km in Nepal. The pipeline was jointly inaugurated on Bhadra 24, 2076, by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
The Amlekhgunj depot supplies fuel to depots in Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Thankot, Pokhara, Birgunj, and Janakpur. It also caters to local fuel stations.
Fully Automated Amlekhgunj Depot
The Amlekhgunj depot, operational for nearly five decades, is transitioning to full automation under the second phase of the pipeline project. Four new vertical storage tanks for petrol, diesel, and kerosene have been constructed. To maintain product purity, two transmix tanks and an advanced fire control system have also been set up.
Additionally, 24 fully automated loading bays for fuel tankers and a state-of-the-art laboratory have been built, with successful testing completed. “The new loading bays allow for both top and bottom filling for petrol and diesel tankers. The storage tanks and loading bays are about 800 meters apart, enhancing depot safety,” said project engineer Prashant Bhattarai.
The depot, spread over 67,724 square meters, was built in 2030 BS and began operations in Magh 2033 BS. It is Nepal’s largest depot, with a storage capacity of 15,110 kiloliters of petrol, 24,810 kiloliters of diesel, and 2,270 kiloliters of kerosene.
The government plans to expand storage capacity in all provinces to ensure a minimum of three months’ supply. As part of this strategy, NOC is actively working on storage expansion projects in various provinces.
Pipeline Expansion to Lothar Soon
Under the third phase of the project, the pipeline will be extended from Amlekhgunj to Lothar in Chitwan.
A team of experts from the Indian Oil Corporation has visited Nepal to assist in the expansion project. “A resurvey is required for the expansion, as the pipeline route passes through forests and conservation areas. Studies are currently underway, and the expansion work is expected to begin next month,” Acharya stated. #noc #nepal
