Nepal Spends Rs. 2.73 Kharba on Petroleum Imports in 11 Months Despite Volume Drop
Driven by global inflation, a surging US Dollar, and war-induced market instability, Nepal's fuel import costs climbed to Rs. 2.73 Kharba in the first 11 months of the fiscal year, even though the country imported less total volume.
The latest trade statistics from the Department of Customs show a widening financial drain caused by global energy market disruptions. Nepal's total expenditure on petroleum products hit Rs. 2,73,07,51,00,000 between Shrawan and Jestha. Diesel remained the single largest import component, requiring an outflow of Rs. 1,52,67,98,00,000 for 12.64 lakh kiloliters, compared to last year's 13.12 lakh kiloliters which cost much less at Rs. 1,15,55,01,00,000. Petrol bills similarly jumped to Rs. 68,17,87,00,000 for 6.85 lakh kiloliters, expanding from last year’s Rs. 58,58,90,00,000. Meanwhile, cooking gas (LPG) bucked the trend slightly, with imports of 47.59 crore kilograms costing Rs. 52,21,66,00,000—marking an 8.98 percent drop from the Rs. 57,36,66,00,000 spent during the same period last year. Overall, the steep rise in import costs continues to trigger serious challenges for national financial stability and the trade balance.