Er.energyNP@Gmail.com

In a major policy intervention aimed at cushioning the economy from rising fuel costs, the government has decided to grant a 50 percent customs duty waiver on petroleum imports, signaling an urgent response to mounting energy price pressures and inflation risks.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held Tuesday and confirmed by Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Pratibha Rawal.

Fuel Tax Relief to Lower Import Costs

Under the new policy, the government will provide a 50 percent waiver on both customs duty and infrastructure development tax levied on the import of:

- Petrol

- Diesel

- Kerosene

Officials say the move is intended to reduce the import cost burden, stabilize domestic fuel prices, and provide relief to consumers and businesses already grappling with high transportation and production costs.

Nepal, which is heavily dependent on imported petroleum products, has been facing increasing fiscal strain due to global oil price volatility and a weakening revenue base. The tax relief is expected to temporarily ease pressure on both inflation and supply chains.

Revenue Trade-Off and Fiscal Concerns

While the decision is likely to provide short-term economic relief, it also raises concerns government revenue loss, as petroleum imports constitute a significant source of customs earnings.

Policy Signal Amid Economic Stress

The dual decisions - fuel tax relief and key institutional appointments - underscore the government’s attempt to balance short-term economic stabilization measures with long-term policy leadership strengthening.

However, experts caution that structural reforms in energy diversification, domestic production, and fiscal discipline will be critical to ensuring that such relief measures translate into sustainable economic resilience rather than temporary relief.