The decline in petrol consumption in the Kathmandu Valley by 8.25% during the first quarter of the current fiscal year is an interesting shift, and it seems to reflect a significant change in transportation trends, notably the rise of electric vehicles (EVs).
The data shows that petrol consumption dropped from 56,231 kiloliters last year to 51,590 kiloliters this year, despite an increase in overall petrol imports by 12%. This discrepancy suggests that while more fossil fuels are being brought into the country, the demand for them within the Kathmandu Valley is decreasing, likely due to the growing popularity of EVs.
Sales figures from major petrol stations such as Ripu Mardini Petrol Station—operated by the Nepalese Army—show a sharp 26.44% drop in sales, with similar declines reported by other stations like the Bhaktapur Fuel Centre and Mahalaxmi Fuel Center Samakhushi. This further supports the idea that fewer vehicles are relying on petrol, likely because more people are opting for electric alternatives.
The fact that more than 10,000 electric vehicles were imported last year, with over 60% of them sold in the Kathmandu Valley, underscores this shift. EVs not only contribute to a reduction in petrol consumption, but they also represent a growing trend toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation in the region. As EVs become more widespread and accessible, the demand for petrol is expected to continue decreasing, and this could lead to further long-term changes in the region’s energy consumption patterns.
This transition also has broader implications for Nepal’s energy landscape, potentially contributing to reduced pollution and a lower carbon footprint, which could be vital in the country’s efforts to combat climate change.
