- Nepal has introduced a five-day workweek for government offices and educational institutions.
- The move comes amid fuel shortages linked to disruptions in the Straits of Hormuz route.
- Authorities aim to manage supply, curb costs, and reduce long-term fuel depen
The escalating friction in the Middle East has prompted a strategic shift in Nepal's labour policy. Civil services and educational bodies have adopted a five-day schedule to mitigate logistical and economic disruptions caused by the US-Iran conflict.
The government announced the emergency at a cabinet meeting on Sunday, formally designating both Saturday and Sunday as weekly holidays amidst the war. To tackle the fuel shortage caused due to supply chain disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz route, which led to an increase in prices, Nepal's government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel informed after the meeting, “Government offices and academic institutions will remain closed for two days in a week – Saturday and Sunday.”
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“Given the present uncomfortable situation caused by fuel supply, government and educational institutions will remain closed for two days,” Pokharel said.
New Working Days Reform
The new system mandates that government offices remain open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m, effectively transitioning to a Monday-to-Friday operating week.
This is a significant shift for Nepal, where Saturday has been the only day off.
Effects of Fuel Shortage in Nepal
Despite incremental price hikes, the state-owned Nepal Oil Corporation has reported sustained financial losses, signalling a fiscal crisis for the energy provider. To prevent scarcity and market volatility, the government has begun rationing cooking gas by issuing half-filled cylinders to ensure equitable access during the shortage.
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Ongoing fuel price hikes and travel complications have also sparked concerns for Nepal's tourism sector, which faces a potential setback in its path to economic recovery. In a bid to reduce long-term fuel dependency, the government is considering legal mandates for electric vehicle adoption.
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