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Rising prices are becoming a daily reality for consumers across Nepal, with the cost of transport, fuel, and essential goods climbing steadily over the past six months. Wherever you go, people are talking about the rising cost of goods and services. The issue has become so pressing that it is now discussed everywhere.

A few days ago, I used inDrive after about a month. It usually costs Rs 130–140 to travel from my office to home, but this time I paid Rs 210. When I spoke to the rider, he said, “Because of the high petrol cost, we have to raise prices to maintain our earnings.” 

Public transport fares within the Kathmandu Valley have also risen significantly in recent days. Fares increased by 25.96 percent, effective from April 11. The Department of Transport Management has applied this change not only to urban transport but also to long-distance passenger and service-oriented vehicles. Long-distance bus fares have increased by 16.71 percent.

Similarly, service vehicle charges have gone up, with goods carriers rising by 15.75 percent on Tarai routes and 21.68 percent on hilly roads, reflecting the broader impact of rising fuel costs. The situation is tied not only to domestic factors but also to the tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Concerns over disruptions in oil supply, especially through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, have driven up fuel prices, affecting import-dependent countries like Nepal.

People across Nepal have also struggled to access LPG gas, with many shifting to induction cooking due to shortages. The government has even implemented weekend holidays as a temporary measure to cope with fuel shortages and rising prices. These responses reflect a broader pattern of short-term adjustments rather than long-term solutions. Markets are becoming increasingly expensive, and many people can no longer afford basic goods at previous prices. Inflation is now visible across nearly every sector.

The Asian Development Bank warned last month that prolonged disruptions in energy markets could raise inflation in developing Asia and the Pacific by 3.2 percent and reduce economic growth in the region by 1.3 percent by 2026–2027.

“I travel daily from Kirtipur to Ratnapark for my graphic design internship, using my own vehicle,” said 25-year-old Rojesh Maharjan. “Earlier, petrol used to cost around Rs 100–150, but now it has reached around Rs 200.” “As an intern, I don’t earn much, and I spend around Rs 250 per day on fuel. It’s not enough. I often skip lunch to manage expenses,” he added. “Because of rising costs, I’ve started considering public transport when money is tight.”

“If prices continue to rise, salaries should increase accordingly. Only then can people cope,” Maharjan said.

Fuel prices have surged sharply between mid-March and mid-April, making the market increasingly unaffordable. Petrol, which cost Rs 157 per litre just a month ago, has risen by Rs 62 to Rs 219. Diesel and kerosene prices have also climbed significantly, from Rs 142 to Rs 237 per litre.

The impact is visible across sectors. LPG has increased by Rs 100, reaching Rs 2,010 per cylinder. Domestic aviation fuel prices have more than doubled, rising from Rs 127 to Rs 262 per litre, while international aviation fuel has jumped from $966 to $1,716 per kilolitre.

“Inflation is being driven by multiple factors, including ongoing conflict in the Middle East and supply chain disruptions,” said an official from the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection. “We seized around 6,300 LPG cylinders from dealers last month and redistributed them. Since then, such cases have declined,” the official added. “If we receive complaints of hoarding or black marketing, we will take action.”

Many people are aware of the broader causes. Rukesh Shah, 34, from Rautahat and now living in Bhaktapur, works collecting scrap materials.

“This situation has been created by tensions between Israel, the US, and Iran,” he said. “If India faces difficulties in securing goods, Nepal is in even greater trouble.” “Our income has remained the same, and as daily wage workers, we are sometimes paid even less. This directly affects our daily lives,” he said, urging the government to act.

Parbati Sah, a shopkeeper, said she understands the reasons behind rising prices. “Dealers tell us costs have increased, and they cannot sell at a loss,” she said. “In most items, prices have risen by around 23 to 30 percent.” She added that the situation has strained customer trust. “Customers often don’t believe us when we say prices have gone up. Sometimes we are forced to sell at lower prices and bear the loss.”

Her husband, who helps run the stall, said rising costs have forced them to adjust prices. “Earlier, we sold samosas for Rs 20; now they are Rs 25. Other items have also increased,” he said. “This has affected our small business.” He added that inflation is affecting more than just goods. “Room and shop rents have also increased, making it even harder to manage.”

A customer at the shop offered a different perspective: “Inflation is happening because of corruption and political rivalries among leaders,” he said, adding that this is how the situation appears from a consumer’s point of view. The cost of essential goods has also risen. Sunflower oil has increased by Rs 40 to Rs 295, while mustard oil has gone up to Rs 375 from Rs 325.

According to the Department of Commerce, the price of General Sona Mansuli rice in the Kathmandu Valley has increased by Rs 36, reaching Rs 95 per kg from Rs 59. Steamed Jeera rice has risen to Rs 102 per kg, while basmati rice now costs Rs 185 per kg. Other staples have also become more expensive. Maize flour now costs Rs 127 per kg, while wheat flour has risen to Rs 60 per kg.

Even water prices have increased in some areas. The Federation of Nepal Water Industries recently stated that shortages of raw materials—such as plastic bottles, caps, and packaging materials—have driven up production costs.

“The prices of raw materials used in the water industry have increased by around 40 percent,” the federation said. “This is not profit-driven but a result of rising production and transportation costs.” As a result, bottled mineral water in parts of Kathmandu now costs Rs 25–30, up from Rs 20.

As prices continue to rise across fuel, transport, and essential goods, the burden is falling most heavily on ordinary consumers. From commuters and daily wage workers to small business owners, many are being forced to cut expenses and adjust their lifestyles just to cope.

While global factors such as geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions play a role, public concern is growing over the lack of immediate relief and long-term solutions. Inflation is no longer just an economic indicator—it has become a lived reality shaping everyday decisions and survival.

Federation of Nepal Water Industries stated that raw material prices, including plastic bottles, caps, jars, and wrapping rolls, have risen by around 40 percent. “This is not a profit-oriented decision, but a forced situation,” the federation said. In several parts of Kathmandu, mineral water now sells for Rs 25–30, up from Rs 20.

As prices continue to climb, the burden falls hardest on ordinary people. Commuters, daily wage workers, small business owners are all forced to cut back and adjust just to get by. Global factors like geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions are significant contributors, but the public's growing frustration is with the absence of immediate relief and credible long-term solutions. Inflation is no longer just an economic indicator. It has become a lived reality, shaping everyday decisions and survival across Nepal.

Opposition parties have urged the government to immediately convene a session of the federal Parliament.

A meeting held today under the leadership of main opposition party Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe took a decision to urge the government to withdraw the ordinance on amending the Constitutional Council Act, 2066 BS and the Cooperatives Act, 2074 BS and request it to instead submit to the House. 

CPN-UML Parliamentary Party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa, Nepali Communist Party Chief Whip Yubaraj Dulal, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker Saraswati Lama were present in the meeting.

The Chinese government is to provide Rs 11 billion in grants for the implementation of the Ring Road Expansion (Second Phase). 

According to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, Transport and Urban Development, Minister of Physical Infrastructure, Transport and Urban Development Sunil Lamsal and Ambassador of China to Nepal Zhang Maoming signed the agreement today. 

In line with the agreement, the Ring Road will now be extended from Kalanki to Basundhara. 

In the first phase, it has been extended from Koteshwor to Kalanki.

On that occasion, Minister Lamsal said that no problems would be allowed in project implementation and, if any arose, immediate facilitation would be provided to resolve them.

He mentioned that the construction of roads connecting the north and south is a government priority and expressed confidence that China will further increase its investment in the country's infrastructure development.

Ambassador Zhang stated that many Chinese investors are willing to come here if an environment conducive for investment is created.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has made public the activities it carried out in the last one month. 

Since the assumption of office by Minister Dr Bikram Timilsina, the ministry argued it made significant improvements in public service delivery.

The 100-point good governance agenda announced by the government was put into practice by the ministry with introduction of new tasks and intensification of delayed ones. 

The ministry claimed it intensified the works relating to printing smart driving licenses, courier service, expansion of telecommunications, reform in cyber security and administrative reform.

The minister took special initiative to end the protracted printing of smart driving license cards. Now, the government has planned to hand over the licenses  within 24 hours since the receipt of data from the Transport Management Department in case of new applicants. 

The cards are printed in the Security Printing Press.

As per agreement, 1.2 million copies of license cards have been printed. 

The department and center have made an agreement to print 1.7 million more license cards by the end of this fiscal year.

Similarly, the center  has printed three million copies of postage stamps and provided them to the Postal Service Department. 

A concept of 'government courier service' has been forwarded to modernize postal service. 

This scheme has been enforced in Kalikot, Sindhupalchok, Banke, Kaski, Sunsari, Makawanpur, Myagdi, Siraha, Dadeldhura and Gulmi districts for the initial phase and is being expanded to others gradually.

The postal code having five digital is getting upgraded to seven digital as per federal system so that citizens could be provided service at their convenience.

The performance list goes to improvement in telecommunication service by making it friendly to consumers. 

All packages of pre-paid mobile service have been expanded to 30 days from 28 days. 

The 'pay and you go' system has been revised to ensure all-time mobile functioning.  

The ministry decided to provide 800 MHZ additional bands to enhance 4G quality. 

Expansion of 5G is also charted out. One time KYC and all online have been forwarded.

Nagarik App has entered into a digital Nepal campaign where various services relating to Nepal Police, engineering, public service, exams, certificates and entrance papers of university are available. 

The Passport Department and the Transport Department are interlinked to avoid dual and burdensome data collection.

The government websites are being upgraded to the international standard for security and accessibility. 

As many as 11,000 betting Apps and websites are disbanded through Nepal Telecommunications Authority.

The government's scheme 'zero pending file' is in place to give impetus to ending plodding administrative works. The new performance indicators of employees is another feature in this sector.

Agreement has been received in principle from the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary on draft bills of Information Technology and of Cyber Security. 

These will create a solid legal base for digital governance and prevention of cyber crimes.

New programs on Athpahariya Rai and Mudiyari languages have been launched in Radio Nepal, while installation of high quality optical fibres from Nepal Television studio to parliament building is another move to digital drive.

The Ministry began a process to conduct monitoring of various frauds relating to foreign employment via social networking sites.

Policy reform, improvement in technical service and direct benefits to citizens are highly prioritized by Minister Timilsina.