Imports of petroleum products through main business transits halted today as well; Curfew in Birgunj eased

Owing to the unofficial blockade being imposed by India on Nepal, imports from transits across the country were affected today as well. Albeit some of the goods laden vehicles were allowed to enter, complications continued on imports of vehicles carrying petroleum products. Except a tanker carrying aviation fuel, a tanker with diesel and a gas bullet entering from Dhangadhi- Gaurifanta and Kakadvitta border points, none of the vehicles carrying petroleum products were allowed to enter Nepal. Albeit four vehicles were supposed to enter from Dhangadi- Gaurifanta customs, only two of them were allowed to enter whereas the remaining two were stopped by Indian side. 113 goods laden vehicles along with one gas bullet came via Nepalgunj- Rupaidiya customs last night. Hundreds of vehicles are stranded at the other side of Rupaidiya border point but the Indian side has not allowed any of them to enter. Meanwhile, despite the opening of Biratnagar- Jogbani customs since morning, none of the vehicles have entered Nepal. The Biratnagar- Jogbani border has been completely shut since Monday under the pretext of Bihar elections in India. Meanwhile, the curfew imposed in Parsa by local administration throughout the night, was lifted from 6 this morning to 8 in the evening. With the lifting of the curfew, activities have increased in Birgunj. Cadres of the Madheshi Front continued to stage sit-in at Miteri bridge. However, there were no demonstrations at other places.