Nepal Government Urges 'Work From Home' Amidst Global Fuel Crisis

Kathmandu. Citing a severe fuel crisis caused by war, the government has urged citizens to work from home. The government has made this appeal due to the deepening global fuel crisis and skyrocketing prices, aiming to reduce domestic fuel consumption.

Announcing the decisions of Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Minister Pratibha Rawal called for office work to be conducted from home. She also informed that the government has decided to provide a 50 percent discount on the infrastructure development tax levied on petrol, diesel, and kerosene to keep prices relatively lower in Nepal, with the notification to be published in the Nepal Gazette.

Minister Rawal stated, 'Global fuel prices have risen. We have decided to provide a 50 percent discount on the infrastructure development tax on petrol, diesel, and kerosene to keep prices lower in Nepal and will publish this in the Gazette. Price adjustment is a necessity. The government will not hide this fact. Therefore, adjusting petroleum prices has become practical.'

She added, 'To control petroleum consumption, measures such as Sunday public holidays, starting educational institutions from Baisakh 15, controlling wholesale sales, and cutting fuel quotas for high-ranking officials have already been implemented. If necessary, an odd-even vehicle system will be enforced. The government urges the public to work from home and increase the use of electric vehicles.'

According to Minister Rawal, the government is moving forward with the legal management of electric vehicles for the long term. She mentioned that preparations for an ethanol policy are underway. Emphasizing the government's commitment to expanding EV infrastructure, Rawal asserted that the government is transparent, does not hide the truth, and understands the suffering of the people.