Birgunj: Imports amounting to over Rs 390 billion took place via the Birgunj customs in the first eight months of the current fiscal year. The imports represent an increase of 11.40 percent, or Rs 39.92 billion, compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Chief Customs Administrator Dipak Lamichhane reported significant imports of petroleum products, raw soybean oil, and motor vehicles in the current fiscal year. Petroleum products, comprising five types, were imported at a value of over Rs 122 billion between July 16 and March 13, a slight rise from Rs 120.53 billion during the same period last year.
The import of raw soybean oil saw a substantial increase, amounting to Rs 29.29 billion this year, up from Rs 5.78 billion last year. Additionally, the import of iron and iron materials reached Rs 22.51 billion, compared to Rs 21.94 billion in the previous fiscal year.
Machinery and parts imports were valued at Rs 21.67 billion, showing growth from Rs 18.65 billion recorded in the first eight months of the last fiscal year (2023-2024). Motor vehicle imports also rose to Rs 11.68 billion, up from Rs 10.10 billion in the same period last year.