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The value of petroleum imports has exceeded the total value of the country's exports. According to data from the Customs Department, during the first 11 months (Shrawan to Jestha) of the current fiscal year 2082/83 (2025/26), Nepal exported goods worth NPR 277.96 billion, while it imported petroleum products worth NPR 297.80 billion from India.

Since fuel imports exceeded export earnings by about NPR 20 billion, they have further widened the country's trade deficit. According to the department, the largest import during the 11-month period was diesel, with imports worth NPR 152.68 billion, totaling approximately 1.265 million kiloliters.

During the same period last fiscal year, Nepal imported about 1.315 million kiloliters of diesel worth NPR 115.55 billion. Although the value of diesel imports increased this year due to higher international fuel prices caused by conflicts in West Asia, the imported volume actually declined by 49,673 kiloliters. Diesel consumption decreased because higher fuel prices slowed development and construction activities. The government's decision to designate Saturdays and Sundays as public holidays to reduce fuel consumption also contributed to lower diesel use.

Similarly, during the first 11 months of the fiscal year, Nepal imported 685,127 kiloliters of petrol worth NPR 68.18 billion. During the same period last year, petrol imports totaled 681,484 kiloliters, valued at NPR 58.59 billion. This year, petrol imports increased by about 4,000 kiloliters.

Likewise, during the same period, Nepal imported 194,500 kiloliters of aviation fuel worth NPR 17.50 billion.

The country also imported 6,793 kiloliters of kerosene worth NPR 655.2 million. During the corresponding period last year, kerosene imports amounted to 12,030 kiloliters, worth NPR 1.78 billion. Compared to the previous fiscal year, both the value and volume of kerosene imports have declined, reflecting its relatively low domestic consumption compared to other petroleum products.

Meanwhile, Nepal imported 475,980 metric tons of cooking LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) worth NPR 52.22 billion. During the same period last year, LPG imports totaled 506,672 metric tons, worth NPR 57.37 billion. Compared to last year, LPG imports fell by about 31,000 metric tons, valued at around NPR 5 billion. The recent increase in the use of electric stoves has also contributed to the decline in LPG imports.