December 8: The import of petroleum products in the first four months of this fiscal year (FY) has seen a sharp rise compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year. Birgunj Customs Office data reveal a 33 percent increase in import of petroleum products in terms of monetary value. Interestingly, the price of petroleum products has decreased this year as compared to the last FY.

Petroleum products amounting to Rs. 18.65 billion was imported from Birgunj in the first four months of this FY, informed the Birgunj Custom chief Sewantak Pokharel, Last year, Rs. 14.3 billion was spent in importing petroleum products in the corresponding period.

According to the customs office, there has been an increase, particularly, in import of diesel and cooking gas.