A bomb has exploded outside the offices of Nepal's state-run oil company, killing three people.

Monday's attack was the first blast in the capital, Kathmandu, since 2009.

Police say a remote-control bomb was detonated in front of the Nepal Oil Corporation during lunchtime.

Nepal's Home Minister Bijaya Gachchedar said a little-known group calling itself United Ethnic Liberation Front took responsibility for the bombing.

The minister ordered that security be tightened in Kathmandu following the blast.

The Nepal Oil Corporation has the monopoly to import and distribute fuel in the Himalayan nation.

((Reuters SOUNDBITE (Nepali) KATHMANDU POLICE CHIEF RAJENDRA SHRESTHA SAYING: “The crime took place at ten past one this afternoon. Altogether three people were killed in the blast.''