Petroleum consumption has increased as campaigning intensifies ahead of the March 5 House of Representatives elections, according to the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). The corporation estimates fuel demand will rise by 10 to 15 percent during peak campaign periods, with daily petrol consumption expected to increase from 2.2 million liters to 2.7 million liters. Despite a 16.7 percent year-on-year drop in international crude oil prices to USD 68.87 per barrel, the domestic price of cooking gas remains unchanged at Rs 1,910 per cylinder. NOC currently maintains diesel reserves for 14 days and petrol reserves for 12 days.
