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Consumption of petroleum products in Nepal is gradually declining as electricity usage continues to rise, according to the Economic Survey 2082/83.

The survey states that electricity access has reached about 99.1 percent of the population nationwide. Electricity consumption is increasing particularly in urban areas, while the use of electric cooking appliances has also led to a gradual decline in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) consumption for cooking.

According to the report, petrol and diesel consumption fell by 10 percent and 9.9 percent, respectively, by the end of Falgun in the current fiscal year compared to the same period last year.

As electricity consumption increases, petroleum imports are expected to decline further, the survey adds.

The report also notes that electricity access has reached almost all areas except some rural municipalities in Karnali Province and a few in Sudurpaschim Province. However, ensuring reliable and quality electricity supply remains a key challenge.

The government has set a target of achieving 100 percent household electricity access within the next few years, with ongoing support from stakeholders.

By the end of Falgun, Nepal’s total installed electricity capacity had reached 4,105 megawatts, of which 3,798 megawatts came from hydropower.

During the current fiscal year, Nepal exported 2,918 gigawatt hours of electricity to India.

The survey further shows that basic drinking water access has reached 97 percent of the population, while only 29 percent have access to safe drinking water.

Health insurance coverage has expanded to all local levels. A total of 2.85 million workers are now enrolled in the contribution-based social security fund, of which 75.9 percent are migrant workers.