Fuel Consumption Likely to Rise by Up to 25% Ahead of Elections: NOC

Government officials estimate that the consumption of petroleum products, including petrol and diesel, could rise by up to 25 percent within just 10 days due to the upcoming election.

According to Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), fuel consumption rises sharply during elections, similar to festive seasons, prompting the corporation to begin preparations to ensure smooth fuel management. Officials said arrangements are being made in anticipation of higher demand during the election period.

NOC Executive Director Chandika Prasad Bhatt said all depots will be instructed to maintain sufficient fuel stocks for the election period. He noted that border points may remain closed for a few days around the election, so depots are being directed to prepare accordingly to avoid shortages.

“At present, average daily consumption is around 2–2.5 million liters of petrol and 3.8–4 million liters of diesel. During the 10 days before the election, consumption is expected to increase by 20–25 percent, and we are preparing stocks accordingly,” Bhatt said.

He added that NOC will remain extra alert during the election period, mobilizing its 1,700–1,800 fuel tankers and ensuring storage facilities are kept full so that even if borders remain closed for two to four days, fuel supply in the market will not be affected.

Bhatt said decisions on fuel stock levels and supply routes will be finalized within this week. NOC, which imports petroleum products from Indian Oil Corporation, has also expanded storage capacity in recent years. Storage facilities have been developed in locations including Amlekhgunj, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Nepalgunj, increasing the corporation’s ability to store petrol for up to 12 days and diesel for around 14 days.

NOC has also accelerated pipeline expansion projects. Fuel is already being transported via the Motihari–Amlekhgunj pipeline, and petrol and kerosene have now been added to pipeline transport alongside diesel. Bhatt said pipeline transport has reduced transportation costs, making fuel cheaper by about NPR 2 per liter for consumers.

Further pipeline projects, Amlekhgunj to Chitwan and Siliguri to Jhapa, are in progress, which could reduce fuel prices by an additional NPR 3.5 per liter in the future. NOC aims to complete pipeline and storage expansion projects within three years and is also preparing to transport aviation fuel through pipelines to reduce dependence on tankers.