Surging fuel prices are squeezing Nepal’s middle class

As conflict in West Asia drives up petrol and diesel prices, those who depend on two-wheelers and public transport are bearing the heaviest burden — but the switch to electric remains out of reach for most.

When the conflict in West Asia began, Anil Neupane didn’t think it would reach into his wallet in Kathmandu. But the Dolakha native, who commutes from Shankhamul to a driving center where he works in Radheradhe, Bhaktapur, now spends nearly 35 percent more on fuel than he used to.