KATHMANDU: Supplies of petroleum products in the Kathmandu Valley have been disrupted due to a protest by the Nepal Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association. The association has launched a strike, presenting a seven-point list of demands.

According to Dr Chandika Prasad Bhatta, executive director of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), the corporation is in contact with the protesting drivers and expects a resolution by Monday night. Discussions between the two parties are scheduled for today (Monday) at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies.

The Association claims that tanker drivers have been denied essential facilities for a long time and that repeated requests for these facilities have been ignored, prompting the strike. Their demands include appointment letters as mandated by the Labour Act, government-fixed remuneration, risk allowances, safety alert training every three months, and inclusion in the social security fund.

On June 11, the Association sent a notice to the NOC, warning of the protest if their demands were not met within a few days.

Under the Essential Commodities Control (Authorization) Act, 2017 (1961), petroleum products are classified as essential commodities, and their supply for general use cannot be legally obstructed. -- RSS