Public Outcry Over Unbalanced Fuel Price Adjustments in Nepal

The sharp impact of petroleum price hikes on the overall market prices in Nepal, coupled with the trend where consumers do not receive direct benefits when prices fall, has created deep public dissatisfaction. The practice where the cost of transportation fares, foodstuffs, construction materials, and daily necessities automatically increases immediately following a rise in petrol prices has almost become institutionalized.

However, when petrol prices decrease, the relevant bodies do not appear serious about reducing fares or commodity prices in proportion. This raises serious questions about market management, regulation, and the role of the state. Especially in a developing country like Nepal, where the income of most citizens is limited, such an unbalanced pricing system further victimizes the poor and middle class.

Changes in petroleum prices directly affect the transport sector, and increased transportation costs impact the entire supply chain. Naturally, the question arises as to why this chain does not work in reverse when prices fall.

In Nepal, the responsibility for determining public transport fares lies with government bodies. But in practice, the influence of transport entrepreneurs is more visible. Decisions to immediately increase fares are made when petrol prices rise, but excuses are made to delay fare reductions when prices fall. Sometimes, fares remain unchanged even when prices drop, making consumers feel directly cheated. The state's presence appears weak in such situations. Arbitrariness in the market has increased due to the ineffective monitoring by regulatory bodies. Although consumer rights protection organizations are active, their impact seems limited.

This trend has generated the question among the general public: 'Where is the state?' When citizens cannot get fair prices even for basic services essential to daily life, their trust in the state weakens. In a democratic system, the primary duty of the state is to protect the interests of its citizens, but indifference on sensitive issues like price control can increase frustration towards the governance system itself.

In this context, public expectations are rising for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which has emerged as a new political force. Citizens disappointed with traditional parties are particularly interested in how the RSP will address these practical problems. The RSP has presented itself as a proponent of transparency, accountability, and good governance. Therefore, its stance and action plan regarding the issue of petroleum prices and related market imbalances have become significant.

If the RSP takes this issue seriously, the first necessity appears to be establishing clear and mandatory criteria for price adjustment. A system could be developed where transport fares and the prices of other goods are automatically adjusted in line with changes in petroleum prices.

For this, a transparent pricing system can be implemented using digital technology, which provides citizens with accurate information and prevents unnecessary manipulation. Furthermore, market monitoring needs to be made more effective. Although monitoring occurs currently, it is not continuous, impartial, or result-oriented. It is expected that the RSP, in a government it leads or influences, can establish an independent and powerful monitoring mechanism to maintain discipline in the market. Additionally, long-term solutions can be sought through dialogue involving both transport entrepreneurs and consumers.

On the other hand, public awareness is also an important factor. It is difficult to bring about market improvements until consumers are aware of their rights. The RSP can focus on citizen empowerment by launching consumer rights awareness campaigns. This will inspire citizens to raise their voices against injustice and create positive pressure in the market.

The presence of the state should be evident not just in making or announcing laws, but in their effective implementation. The imbalance seen during the rise and fall of petroleum prices has exposed the weakness of the state apparatus. In such a situation, new political forces face the challenge of presenting practical solutions rather than just criticism. If the RSP can bring clear policy, strict implementation, and a transparent system on this matter, it can be a great opportunity to win public trust.

Ultimately, petroleum prices and the entire associated pricing system are not just economic issues; they are also linked to social justice and the credibility of governance. As long as it is not ensured that consumers receive relief when prices fall, economic inequality and public dissatisfaction will continue to rise. Therefore, coordinating between the state, the private sector, and civil society to build a fair and transparent pricing system is the need of the hour. Only if any responsible political force takes concrete steps in this direction will citizens be able to feel that 'the state exists.'