KATHMANDU: The Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has decided to maintain current retail fuel prices despite a significant increase in costs from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). The decision comes in response to the recent disaster caused by floods in the Bhotekoshi region and the upcoming festive season.
The NOC board of directors decided during a meeting on Wednesday to keep existing retail prices unchanged, effective from 12:01 a.m. on Oct. 1, 2026. Following instability in the international market due to conflict in the Middle East, the IOC had sent a revised price list on Sept. 30. The new rates showed an increase of Rs 20.44 per litre for petrol, Rs 20.21 for diesel, and Rs 15.96 for kerosene. Additionally, aviation fuel increased by Rs 18.66 per litre, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) rose by Rs 81.32 per cylinder.
By choosing not to adjust retail prices, the corporation projects a loss of approximately Rs 3.20 billion over the next 15 days. The NOC stated that the decision was made to support the public during the current difficult circumstances and the approaching festivals. Meanwhile, the price for international aviation fuel at Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports has been set at a break-even point.
