Government cuts fuel facilities for employees and office bearers amid economic constraints

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Finance has decided to significantly reduce fuel facilities provided to government employees and office bearers.

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle approved the decision on Monday, citing the need to safeguard the economy amid a fuel crisis. According to the ministry, the move aims to maintain austerity in public expenditure in response to rising international petroleum prices, supply shortages, and revenue collection falling short of targets in the current fiscal year.

The Ministry of Finance has amended fuel-related provisions in the ‘Work Operation Directive’ by exercising powers granted under the Economic Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act. Under the revised provisions, secretaries and special category office bearers who previously received 125 liters of fuel will now receive 70 liters, while joint secretary-level officials will see their allocation reduced from 100 liters to 50 liters.

Ministers and constitutional office bearers will continue to receive fuel facilities as per existing laws. The fuel allocation for vehicles used by central-level offices has also been reduced. Offices with up to 30 employees will now receive 35 liters of petrol and 50 liters of diesel, down from the previous allocation of 75 liters of petrol and 100 liters of diesel.

Similarly, offices with an additional 50 employees will now receive 35 liters of petrol and 50 liters of diesel, reduced from the earlier 75 liters of petrol and 100 liters of diesel. For every additional 100 employees thereafter, offices will be allocated 35 liters of petrol and 50 liters of diesel, compared to the previous provision of 75 liters of petrol and 100 liters of diesel.