According to the Customs Department of Nepal, during the first five months of the current fiscal year 2081/82 (from Shrawan to Mangsir), there has been an increase in the import of petroleum, cooking gas (LPG), and aviation fuel. However, the imports of diesel and kerosene have decreased. The rising consumption and import of petroleum indicate that reducing petroleum imports remains a challenging goal in the short term, despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles.
Trends in Petroleum and Gas Imports in Nepal, First Five Months of Fiscal Year 2081/82
Petroleum Imports by Product
1. Diesel Imports
Diesel imports have declined this year. By the end of Mangsir, 472,807 kiloliters of diesel were imported, compared to 489,936 kiloliters in the same period last year. The expenditure on diesel imports has also decreased. This year, NPR 42.17 billion was spent on diesel, down from NPR 53.90 billion last year. Despite the decrease in imports, diesel still constitutes a significant portion of total petroleum imports.
2. Petrol Imports
Petrol imports have risen this year. By Mangsir, 306,229 kiloliters of petrol were imported, surpassing the 281,970 kiloliters imported by Mangsir last year. Despite the increase in imports, the expenditure on petrol has decreased. This year, NPR 26.45 billion was spent on petrol, compared to NPR 28.55 billion last year. This indicates that while the volume of petrol imported has grown, the overall cost has slightly reduced.
3. Cooking Gas Imports
Cooking gas imports have also seen a slight increase this year. By the end of Mangsir, 217,774,433 kilograms of cooking gas were imported, up from 214,291,600 kilograms last year. The cost of importing gas has risen as well. This year, NPR 24.22 billion was spent on cooking gas, whereas NPR 20.65 billion was spent last year. Although the increase in imports is modest, the higher cost of gas has resulted in a greater overall expenditure.
4. Aviation Fuel Imports
The import of aviation fuel has risen this year. By Mangsir, 89,545 kiloliters were imported, an increase from 78,112 kiloliters last year. However, the expenditure on aviation fuel has slightly decreased. This year, NPR 8.14 billion was spent on aviation fuel, compared to NPR 8.66 billion last year. This suggests that while the volume of aviation fuel imported has increased, the cost per unit has fallen.