Sun Apr 05 17:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Nepal Grapples with Fuel Crisis, Implements Two-Day Weekend

The Story:
Faced with a severe fuel crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflicts in West Asia, Nepal’s government has decided to implement a two-day weekend to conserve dwindling petroleum supplies. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting in Kathmandu on April 5, 2026, mandates that government offices and educational institutions observe a new weekend schedule starting April 6. This measure aims to mitigate potential disruptions in petroleum supply amid rising prices and shortages.

Key Points:
* Nepal’s government has implemented a two-day weekend starting April 6, 2026.
* The decision was made in response to a fuel crisis intensified by conflicts in West Asia.
* Government offices and all educational institutions will adhere to the new weekend schedule.
* The government aims to ensure uninterrupted petroleum supply through this measure.
* Nepal’s cabinet also plans to develop legal frameworks for transitioning petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles.
* Petroleum prices in Nepal have reached record highs, with petrol at NPR 202 per liter and diesel/kerosene at NPR 182 per liter in the Kathmandu Valley.
* The state-owned Nepal Oil Corporation approved a price increase of NPR 15 per liter last week, marking the third price hike in 18 days.

Key Takeaways:
* Geopolitical instability significantly impacts smaller nations reliant on imported fuel.
* Governments may resort to unconventional measures like extended weekends to manage fuel crises.
* The crisis is accelerating Nepal’s shift towards electric vehicles.
* Rising fuel prices are a direct consequence of international conflicts, affecting consumers.
* Nepal Oil Corporation’s frequent price hikes reflect the severity of the petroleum supply issue.

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