India continues to effect strict measures on fuel imports to Nepal; Birgunj-Raxaul transit still shut completely

India has effected stricter measures on imports to Nepal. Very few number of goods laden vehicles have entered Nepal. Commodities like vegetables and fruits were the only goods which entered Nepal today. India has further intensified patrolling on imports of petroleum products since the Birgunj incident on Monday where an Indian citizen was killed amid a clash between police personnel and demonstrators. None of the fuel tankers were allowed to enter via Bhairahawa- Sunauli trade point since last Monday. 66 diesel tankers, 13 petrol tankers, one kerosene tanker and 84 gas bullets are stranded at the Indian side to enter Nepal. 19 out of 98 tankers of Nepal Oil Corporation NOC that reached Baitalpur, India from Bhalwari depot are stranded at the Indian side with no petrol. Only 36 vehicles of fruits and vegetables have entered Nepal from Sunauli border point last night. Imports of fuel in Nepalgunj- Rupadiya customs has been difficult for the last four days. Imports of fuel and cooking gas are completely obstructed in Kakadvitta-Panitanki and Biratnagar-Jogbani transits since last Sunday. 45 vehicles except those carrying fuel entered Nepal from Kakadvitta-Panitanki transit and 12 such vehicles entered Nepal via Biratnagar-Jogbani border point. Around 800 to 1000 vehicles are queuing to enter Nepal at each border. Meanwhile, local administration has been easing curfew imposed in Birgunj. It had lifted the curfew from 6 am to 8pm and brought it into effect again throughout the night. The local administration again lifted the curfew from 6 to 11 this morning. However, cadres of the Madhesi Front are continuing their sit-in at Miteri Bridge. Birgunj-Raxaul border point is completely shut.