Kathmandu, May 22 : As the fuel crisis deepens in Nepal, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala today requested India to provide an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products to Nepal.

During a meeting with Indian Ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood at his official residence in Baluwatar, Koirala said the fuel shortage in the country has returned with a vengeance after the Constituent Assembly election as queues of customers in front of petrol stations have started to become a normal sight in Kathmandu valley.

Nepal Oil Corporation, the state-owned oil monopoly in the country has been unable to secure enough imports from its Indian supplier, Indian Oil Corporation due to its inability to pay off past dues and rising monthly losses standing at Rs 1.5 billion, he informed.

Koirala also expressed gratitude to India for lifting the ban on export of cement and clinkers to Nepal in response to Nepal government’s request.

Petroleum dealers have also threatened that they will stage an indefinite strike from May 28 if the government doesn’t ensure smooth supply of petroleum products immediately. (ANI)