Testing has begun for the import of petroleum products through the pipeline connecting Motihari in India to Amlekhganj in Bara, Nepal. The testing phase started after the completion of the petroleum pipeline expansion.
According to Pralayankar Acharya, head of Nepal Oil Corporation’s Madhesh Provincial Office in Amlekhganj, all construction work on the Motihari–Amlekhganj petroleum pipeline has been completed. For testing purposes, 5,500 kiloliters of petrol and 1,000 kiloliters of kerosene have been imported via the pipeline.
“We are currently testing the petroleum products brought through the pipeline,” said Acharya. He also mentioned that preparations are underway to facilitate the regular import of petroleum products through the pipeline. Although regular imports were initially planned to start by January 2025, some delays are expected due to incomplete preparations.
Pipeline Expansion Details
As part of the pipeline expansion project, Indian Oil Corporation has built infrastructure at the Amlekhganj depot, including:
- Two petrol tanks with a combined capacity of 4,100 kiloliters.
- Two transmix tanks with a capacity of 250 kiloliters each.
- 24 fully automated loading bay refillers for petrol transportation.
- A pump house and a laboratory.
Additionally, upgrades include a fire-fighting system, an Oil-Water Separator (OWS) system, and a PMCC control room.
This marks a significant step toward streamlining petroleum imports, reducing transportation costs, and improving efficiency for Nepal’s energy sector.
