KATHMANDU:- The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNTTE), an umbrella organisation of transport entrepreneurs across the country, has demanded adjustment in public transport fares following a significant rise in petroleum prices.

In a press statement issued today, the federation said its attention was drawn to the recent increase in the prices of petroleum products by the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), which came into effect last night.

The sudden and significant rise of petroleum prices without considering the concerns of transport entrepreneurs and passengers has directly affected the transport sector, said Federation General Secretary Deknath Gautam in the statement. The federation has also called for controlling internal leakage and consumption of petroleum products within the NOC and implementing a scientific system in the supply chain to ensure smooth distribution.

It said that public vehicles run on diesel and petrol, and any increase in petrol prices directly affects the operation of public transport providers. The NOC increased the price of diesel by Rs 10 per litre and petrol by Rs 15 per litre starting Sunday night.