KATHMANDU, APRIL 7
The ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran since February 28 in West Asia may seem far off, but its effects have compelled Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah's newly-formed government to make a number of tough stances.
Nepalis have been affected by these decisions in everything from commuting to cooking.
Following the formation of the Shah-led government, many relief efforts and initiatives were anticipated. However, the conflict in West Asia has had a significant impact, forcing Nepalis to make compromises for even basic necessities.
COOKING GAS (LPG) SHORTAGE
The crisis in West Asia has impacted the kitchens of Nepalis. People in Kathmandu valley have been experiencing a cooking gas shortage for the past one month.
People are getting a half-filled cylinder weighing 7.1 kg for half the price.
Rajeev and Sanjeev Sah, brothers studying in Kathmandu, had to take a one-day leave to get a cylinder. "We have finally received half-filled cylinder, and to ensure we get it before the other one had emptied, we had to book it in advance," they told THT.
A shopkeeper at Suhani Store in Imadole, Lalitpur, stated that his store would receive a full cylinder supply shortly. He also appeared to be preoccupied with asking and answering customers' questions about whether they had cooking gas.
NOC BEARS LOSSES
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) last revised petroleum product prices on Thursday. The adjustment was based on a price list received from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), which reflected rising international market prices.
According to the new rates, petrol costs Rs 199.50 per litre in Charali, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Amalekhgunj, Dhangadi and Birgunj. The price per litre in Surkhet and Dang is Rs 201, while in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Dipayal it is Rs 202. Prices for kerosene and diesel have also gone up by Rs 15 per litre.
The price change comes after the corporation reported mounting financial losses as a result of rising global fuel prices, which were largely driven by ongoing Middle Eastern tensions. NOC stated that the continued rise in international prices has limited its ability to fully adjust domestic prices through the automatic pricing mechanism.
Citing consumer interest and the use of its price stabilisation fund, the NOC had previously maintained fuel prices despite an increase in aviation fuel prices. However, persistent pressure from growing import costs forced the corporation to adjust rates.
NEPALIS' SAFETY IN JEOPARDY
Seven Nepalis were injured in Ajban, in the UAE, on April 3. According to the Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the incident in the Ajban area, caused by falling missile debris, resulted in six minor injuries and one major injury. Six of them have been discharged, and one has been hospitalised until now.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously reported the arrest of 11 Nepalis in West Asian countries amidst the ongoing conflict. Three people were arrested in the UAE, four in Saudi Arabia, three in Qatar and one in Oman. The countries in West Asia that have been at war have been cracking down on false information that is spreading on social media. Those countries have said that people who spread false information on social media will be punished in different ways, such as being arrested or deported.
The MoFA has also reported that over 80,000 people have registered their names in the Consular Services Department's online registration system, which prioritises the collection of information about Nepalis living abroad and their rescue.
Additionally, due to flight delays, the bodies of 38 Nepalis have yet to be repatriated to Nepal from countries such as Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. According to the ministry, nine bodies were returned to Nepal by Kuwait Airlines on April 1, and the process of bringing back the remaining mortal remains is still ongoing.