Nepal to Seek ATF Supply From India Via Cross-Border Pipeline

08 Dec 2025 CW Team

Nepal first began receiving diesel through the Motihari–Amlekhgunj pipeline in September 2019, later adding petrol and kerosene imports in early 2025. The fifth meeting of the Nepal–India Joint Working Group on Petroleum and Gas, scheduled for 8 December, will now consider Nepal’s proposal to transport Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) via the expanded pipeline network. A Cabinet meeting on Monday approved the Nepali delegation for the talks.

Shivaram Pokharel, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and head of the delegation, said Nepal will propose ATF supply once construction of the Amlekhgunj–Lothar extension in Chitwan is completed. The project is being developed with Indian support, while Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) will build an ATF depot at Lothar using its own resources.

Work on extending the Motihari–Amlekhgunj pipeline to Lothar began in early August. Pokharel noted that the extended pipeline and the new depot will allow ATF to be transported directly to Lothar. Because of limited capacity at the Amlekhgunj depot, the ATF storage facility is being shifted to Lothar.

He added that the same pipeline can sequentially transport diesel, petrol, kerosene and ATF, with scientific safeguards ensuring no cross-contamination between fuels.

During the former Nepali Prime Minister’s visit to India in May–June 2023, both sides signed an MoU covering petroleum infrastructure between Siliguri and Jhapa, extending the Amlekhgunj–Lothar section, and constructing new terminals in Chitwan and Jhapa. The original cross-border pipeline, completed in 2019, was the first of its kind in South Asia.

Meanwhile, Nepal has recorded its first-ever import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), with Yogya Holding—part of SG Group—beginning shipments from Indian Oil Corporation. The agreement for LNG supply was signed earlier this year.

Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described the maiden LNG export to Nepal as a “milestone operation”, highlighting India’s commitment to advancing regional energy security and expanding clean-energy partnerships.

Nepal will hold discussions with India on supplying aviation fuel through the cross-border petroleum pipeline, with officials from both countries set to meet next week in New Delhi, a senior Nepali official confirmed on Wednesday. Nepal first began receiving diesel through the Motihari–Amlekhgunj pipeline in September 2019, later adding petrol and kerosene imports in early 2025. The fifth meeting of the Nepal–India Joint Working Group on Petroleum and Gas, scheduled for 8 December, will now consider Nepal’s proposal to transport Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) via the expanded pipeline network. A Cabinet meeting on Monday approved the Nepali delegation for the talks. Shivaram Pokharel, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and head of the delegation, said Nepal will propose ATF supply once construction of the Amlekhgunj–Lothar extension in Chitwan is completed. The project is being developed with Indian support, while Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) will build an ATF depot at Lothar using its own resources. Work on extending the Motihari–Amlekhgunj pipeline to Lothar began in early August. Pokharel noted that the extended pipeline and the new depot will allow ATF to be transported directly to Lothar. Because of limited capacity at the Amlekhgunj depot, the ATF storage facility is being shifted to Lothar. He added that the same pipeline can sequentially transport diesel, petrol, kerosene and ATF, with scientific safeguards ensuring no cross-contamination between fuels. During the former Nepali Prime Minister’s visit to India in May–June 2023, both sides signed an MoU covering petroleum infrastructure between Siliguri and Jhapa, extending the Amlekhgunj–Lothar section, and constructing new terminals in Chitwan and Jhapa. The original cross-border pipeline, completed in 2019, was the first of its kind in South Asia. Meanwhile, Nepal has recorded its first-ever import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), with Yogya Holding—part of SG Group—beginning shipments from Indian Oil Corporation. The agreement for LNG supply was signed earlier this year. Indian Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described the maiden LNG export to Nepal as a “milestone operation”, highlighting India’s commitment to advancing regional energy security and expanding clean-energy partnerships.

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

Jyoti Structures FY26 profit rises 56.5%

Jyoti Structures (JSL) recently reported strong financial results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026, driven by disciplined execution, cost management and steady progress across its order book.For Q4 FY2025-26, total income rose 44.2 per cent to Rs 2.41 billion from Rs 1.67 billion in Q4 FY2024-25. EBITDA increased 58.6 per cent to Rs 237 million, while EBITDA margin improved by 89 basis points to 9.84 per cent. Profit before tax grew 53.3 per cent to Rs 188.5 million, and net profit rose 51.9 per cent to Rs 181.4 million.For FY2025-26, total income grew 53.1 per cent to Rs 7.72 bill..

Infrastructure Energy

04 May 2026

Cat BEPU to Power Doppstadt Separator at IFAT 2026

Caterpillar’s Cat Battery Electric Power Unit (BEPU) has been selected by Doppstadt to power its SWS 6 Spiral Shaft Separator, which will be showcased for the first time at IFAT 2026 in Munich, Germany, from 4–7 May.The compact plug-and-play BEPU is designed to replace a diesel engine within the same space, using the same mounting locations and relative machine position. It integrates the battery, motor, inverter, onboard charging, cooling and controls, enabling OEMs to electrify existing chassis platforms without extensive redesign.Caterpillar and Cat dealer Zeppelin Power Systems have be..

Infrastructure Urban

04 May 2026

VECV sales rise 6.9% in April 2026

VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, recorded sales of 7,318 units in April 2026, compared to 6,846 units in April 2025, registering 6.9 per cent growth. The total included 7,159 units under the Eicher brand and 159 units under the Volvo brand.Eicher branded trucks and buses reported sales of 7,159 units during the month, up 6.6 per cent from 6,717 units in April 2025. In the domestic commercial vehicle market, Eicher sales rose 8.6 per cent to 6,797 units from 6,257 units a year earlier.Exports declined 21.3 per cent, with VECV recording 362 units in ..