Nepal Government to Fine Petrol Pumps Up to Rs 10 Lakh for Creating Artificial Fuel Shortages

The government has introduced strict penalties for petrol pumps that create an artificial shortage of fuel, with fines reaching up to Rs 10 lakh (1 million rupees).

To crack down on these unfair practices, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has officially amended the rules under the Nepal Oil Corporation's 'Petroleum Products Sellers Bylaws'. The new rules outline a three-tier penalty system depending on how many times a gas station repeats the offense.

According to the updated regulations, a petrol pump caught creating an artificial fuel shortage for the first time will face a fine of Rs 3 lakh. Additionally, the government will stop its fuel supply for 5 days.

If the gas station is caught committing the same offense a second time, the penalty escalates to a fine of Rs 6 lakh, along with a 10-day ban on its fuel supply.

For a third offense, the punishment becomes even more severe. The station will be hit with a maximum fine of Rs 10 lakh, and its fuel supply will be completely cut off for 15 days.