Maoist rebels sell looted petrol to raise funds

Attacks on tankers are followed by cheap oil sales in villages. Experts say the rebels are running short of money.

Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – Maoist rebels are stealing and selling petroleum products to raise funds since the decline pf the lucrative marijuana trade. On 25 February, in the southwest district of Banke (500km from Kathmandu), the rebels seized nine tankers of the Nepal Oil Corporation and distributed around one million litres of petroleum products at a price less than the official rate of 6.5 rupees per litre. The 18 drivers were released on the night of 27 February and handed over to human rights activists.

One activist who secured their release said: "The Maoists said they would distribute the petroleum products among the poor villagers at a minimum price, to help them. They further contended that the tankers belonged to rich bourgeoisie elements who exploit the people." He said the rebels refused to return the tankers although they were private property but at least, they did not blow them up as they did on 24 February in Kavre district. Another two tankers were seized in Chitwan district, near the Rapti River, on 25 February.

Naveen Karki, an economist, told AsiaNews: "It's not precise to say the Maoists distribute petroleum to help the poor. Rather, they sell the stolen petroleum in villages through people to who they give a good commission. They must find funds to cover their daily needs, as incessant army offensives against them have weakened their economic hold in areas where they used to get money from people. I am sure Maoists will target other economic installations to procure funds."

Karki added: "Another source of easy money for the Maoists has been the multi-million cultivation of marijuana in the country's northern districts. Now, the marijuana trade is protected by the army, the government and political parties, but the true beneficiaries were the Maoists. However in recent times, Indian security forces have stepped up anti-smuggling operations and the drug trade in Nepal has collapsed. The rebels have lost millions of rupees per week. This is why they have taken to looting private tankers, unlike in the past, when they

looted or destroyed oil tankers intended for security purposes."

• nepal
• maoists
• rebels
• petroleum
• economy
• drugs
• smuggling
• india