The second phase of the petroleum pipeline project, a joint venture between Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), is now underway. IOC has called for tenders for the Jhapa-Siliguri section. The overall project, including the Amlekhgunj-Lothar pipeline, the Jhapa depot, and the Siliguri-Charali line, is expected to cost Rs 15 billion with technical and financial support from IOC. NOC Executive Director Dr. Chandika Bhatta said the project, along with a proposed LPG pipeline, could save Rs 5 to 6 billion annually in transportation costs. Separately, NOC is investing Rs 9 billion to construct a 100,000-kiloliter storage terminal in Lothar, Chitwan.
