Nepal’s energy dependency on India is a national security crisis

katmandujournal.com · 4 days ago

Nepal's heavy reliance on India for petroleum imports constitutes a national security crisis, with only ten days' worth of fuel reserves. This dependency, formalized by an exclusive arrangement with the Indian Oil Corporation, leaves Nepal vulnerable to supply disruptions, as demonstrated by a past unofficial blockade. Despite expanding electric vehicle adoption, the reliance on diesel for heavy transport and LPG for cooking persists. The country's limited storage capacity and lack of alternative supply options make it susceptible to geopolitical events and India's own energy needs.