Petroleum Pipeline to Be Extended from Amlekhgunj to Lothar in Chitwan

The extension of the petroleum pipeline from Amlekhgunj in Bara to Lothar in Chitwan is set to commence soon, following the successful completion of the 69-kilometer pipeline connecting Motihari, India, to Amlekhgunj.

A high-level technical team from Nepal and India has completed a field study for the Amlekhgunj-Lothar extension, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently being prepared, according to Engineer Manoj Thakur, spokesperson for Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). Thakur stated that the project aims to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products to western and northern regions of the country, with plans to construct a 100,000-litre capacity petroleum storage facility at Lothar alongside the pipeline extension.

Test imports of petroleum products through the newly completed Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline have already begun. Pralayankar Acharya, Chief of the NOC Madhes Provincial Office in Amlekhgunj, confirmed the trial transportation of 5,500 kilolitres of petrol and 1,000 kilolitres of kerosene through the pipeline. He added that preparations are underway to facilitate regular imports via this route.

The Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline, which marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s energy infrastructure, has already demonstrated its potential to address petroleum shortages. With the planned extension to Lothar, the government anticipates further strengthening the nation’s petroleum supply chain and reducing dependency on traditional transportation methods.