The Nepal Oil Corporation is cracking down on petroleum pumps around the country. According to recent reports, the NOC has fined at least 10 gas stations up to Rs 75,000 for selling consumers diesel and petrol adulterated with kerosene. The NOC has also banned some pumps from selling fuel for six months. Meanwhile, the Special Police Branch is also looking into the adulteration of petroleum products. Following numerous appeals from irate consumers regarding the adulteration of transport fuel, a working group has been formed to look into the adulteration of petroleum products from third countries. The working group, headed by the director general of the Nepal Quality Control Department, will include members of the Nepal Oil Corporation and the Special Police Branch. Adulterated diesel and petrol not only cause environmental pollution, they also seriously damage engines. The Special Police Branch says it is monitoring petroleum tankers transporting fuel from Amlekhgunj to Kathmandu. The Nepal Oil Corporation acknowledges the adulteration, and has been carrying out checks at the estimated 80 gas pumps in the Valley.