It has been two weeks since the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) started staging sit-ins at the major customs point of Birgunj. Their protests coupled with the blockade imposed by India have prevented the Birgunj customs office from collecting revenues, which reached Rs 250 to Rs 300 million rupees per day during normal times. Birgunj customs, which generates more than 50% of the total revenue target of the Customs Department, hummed with activities during normal times. But since the turbulence began in Tarai, the office has worn a deserted look.
Among the tankers that entered Nepal, 13 were carrying petrol, 21 laden with diesel and one with kerosene, said Mechi Petroleum Association Jhapa Chairperson Laya Prasad Bhandari. Our Biratnagar correspondent Binod Bhandari informed that four diesel carrying tankers and three LPG bullets entered through the Jogbani entry point this morning. Five tankers had entered via this point on Tuesday.
