Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has decided to keep the current retail prices of petroleum products unchanged despite an increase in purchase prices from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

According to the latest purchase prices received from IOC, the cost of petrol has increased by Rs. 20.44 per litre, diesel by Rs. 20.21, kerosene by Rs. 15.96, aviation fuel by Rs. 18.66 per litre, and LPG by Rs. 81.32 per cylinder.

NOC said fluctuations in international petroleum prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have made it difficult to adjust domestic prices according to the automatic pricing mechanism.

Considering the situation created by floods and landslides in Bhotekoshi, the upcoming festival season, and the interests of consumers, the NOC Board decided to maintain the existing selling prices effective from 1:00 AM on Ashoj 15.

The current prices apply based on the distance from NOC depots and offices, with different rates applicable within 15 kilometers and LPG industries within 50 kilometers.

Under the existing structure, petrol and diesel/kerosene are priced at Rs. 197.50 per litre in the first category, Rs. 199 in the second category, and Rs. 200 in the third category.

Similarly, domestic aviation fuel remains at Rs. 249 per litre, while international aviation fuel is priced at USD 1.697 per kilolitre in Kathmandu. LPG remains priced at Rs. 2,060 per cylinder.

The first category includes Charali, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Amlekhgunj, Bhalwari, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi and Birgunj. Surkhet and Dang fall under the second category, while Kathmandu, Pokhara and Dipayal are in the third category.

Despite keeping prices unchanged, NOC is projected to incur a biweekly loss of Rs. 3.20 billion under the current pricing structure.