Kathmandu, June 25 -- Gasoline could start flowing through the newly-built cross-border pipeline next month. Nepal's first oil pipeline is likely to become operational as soon as next month since the pipelaying work has been completed. Officials said they were conducting preliminary tests on the pipeline by sending water through it. According to Nepal Oil Corporation, the tests are being done in coordination with Indian Oil Corporation, its sole supplier of fuel.

"For the initial testing, we are carrying out cleaning of the inner part of the entire pipeline by using an air compressor which will be followed by hydro testing," said Nepal Oil Corporation engineer Sharad Prasad Poudyal looking after the pipeline project. According to him, a ...