Sky-High Prices: Nepal's Aviation Fuel Costs Soar

Nepal has dramatically increased aviation fuel prices to prevent supply disruptions due to Middle East conflicts. This led to a significant rise in airfares, impacting tourists ahead of the peak season. Domestic fuel prices and airfares similarly saw a substantial hike due to dependency on imports.

Nepal has more than doubled its aviation fuel prices from Tuesday midnight, in a move aimed at preventing disruptions in supply amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. As a result, airfares have sharply increased, affecting the flow of travelers in the Himalayan nation.

The state-run Nepal Oil Corporation announced that the price for international flights from Kathmandu soared by 84.7%, while prices from Pokhara and Bhairahawa rose by 116.2% and 117.4%, respectively. These increases are essential for meeting payment obligations to the refiner Indian Oil Corporation, according to officials.

Domestic flights have also been hit, with jet fuel prices climbing by 97.6%, leading to fare increases of up to 50%, as per the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. The hike is particularly concerning for tourists and adventurers planning to visit Nepal during its peak tourism season, adding financial strain amid a wider economic context where the country is fully reliant on imported fuel.

(With inputs from agencies.)