Kathmandu-The Ministry of Finance has significantly reduced fuel facilities for government employees and officials to protect the economy from the ongoing fuel crisis. Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle approved the decision to reduce fuel benefits.

The move aims to enforce fiscal discipline in public spending due to a sharp rise in international petroleum prices, supply constraints, and failure to meet revenue targets.

The ministry amended fuel-related provisions under Clause 49 of the Operational Guidelines, 2024, using authority granted under Sections 20 and 24 of the Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2019.

Under the revised provisions, secretaries and officials of special rank will receive 70 litres of fuel per month, while joint secretaries will receive 50 litres. Ministers and constitutional office bearers will continue to receive fuel facilities as per existing laws.

Fuel allocations for pooled vehicles at central-level offices have also been reduced. Offices with up to 30 employees will receive 35 litres of petrol and 50 litres of diesel, down from the previous 75 litres of petrol and 100 litres of diesel.

Offices with an additional 50 employees will receive 35 litres of petrol and 50 litres of diesel, down from the previous 75 litres of petrol and 100 litres of diesel. For every additional 100 employees, the allocation will now be 35 litres of petrol and 50 litres of diesel.

Similarly, two-wheelers that previously received 12 litres of petrol per month will now receive 8 litres.