Due to rising international crude oil prices, Nepal has seen mixed trends in petroleum imports. While the volume of diesel and LPG imports has decreased in the current fiscal year, the total expenditure on fuel imports has increased significantly compared to last year.

According to data released by the Department of Customs, diesel imports decreased by 48,000 kiloliters compared to the same period last year. Despite the decline in volume, the country spent Rs 37.12 billion more than the previous year. Last year, diesel worth Rs 115.55 billion (13.12 million kiloliters) was imported, whereas this year it rose to Rs 152.67 billion despite lower volume of 12.64 million kiloliters.

LPG imports showed a notable decline. Imports dropped from 50.66 crore kg last year to 47.59 crore kg this year, resulting in a savings of Rs 5.15 billion. The total LPG import cost decreased from Rs 57.36 billion to Rs 52.21 billion.

In contrast, petrol and aviation fuel imports increased both in volume and value. Petrol imports rose by Rs 9.58 billion to Rs 68.17 billion, with an increase of 3,643 kiloliters in volume. Aviation fuel imports also increased by Rs 6.56 billion, reaching Rs 24.06 billion, with an additional 2,887 kiloliters compared to the previous year.

Overall, the data indicates that while some fuel imports decreased in quantity, rising global prices have pushed Nepal’s total fuel import bill higher.