The government has introduced measures to reduce petroleum consumption as concerns grow over possible fuel shortages and rising global prices linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
A Cabinet meeting on Sunday approved a new two-day weekend—Saturday and Sunday—replacing Nepal’s traditional single-day break. The decision applies to all government offices and educational institutions across the country, significantly changing work and school schedules.
The extended weekend is intended to reduce fuel usage by cutting down on commuting and administrative operations for an extra day each week. To balance the reduced workdays, office hours have been extended to run from 9 AM to 5 PM.
In addition, the government plans to introduce legal provisions to support the conversion of fossil fuel-based vehicles into electric ones. Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel stated that this move will not only lower fuel dependency but also promote the use of Nepal’s renewable energy resources.
Global petroleum prices have surged following tensions involving Iran and the USA-Israel coalition. As a result, the Nepal Oil Corporation has increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 40–45 per liter in recent weeks.
Despite these price hikes, the corporation has reported losses exceeding Rs 11 billion in just 15 days. Although Nepal has not yet experienced a full-scale fuel crisis, experts warn that the situation could worsen without timely intervention.
Former executive director Susheel Bhattarai cautioned that continued losses may soon prevent the corporation from purchasing petroleum products from India. He urged the government to act swiftly to avoid supply disruptions.
Bhattarai also recommended emergency measures such as implementing an odd-even vehicle system, delaying development projects, regulating diesel sales, and adopting other strategies used during past crises.
Meanwhile, the shift toward electric mobility is gaining momentum. Data from the Birgunj Customs Office show that imports of electric four-wheelers have tripled in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, reaching 497 units worth Rs 1.48 billion, up from 165 units worth Rs 430 million in the same period last year. Revenue from these imports also rose significantly.
Similarly, imports of electric two-wheelers increased to 4,128 units worth Rs 805.7 million, compared to 3,374 units worth Rs 440.3 million during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
