Kathmandu. The Ministry of Finance has decided to drastically reduce the fuel allowance being provided to government employees and officials. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has approved the decision to cut fuel facilities to save the economy from the fuel crisis.

According to the ministry, the decision has been taken to maintain austerity in public expenditure due to the huge increase in the price of petroleum products in the international market, decrease in supply and failure to collect revenue as per the target in the current fiscal year.

In exercise of the powers conferred by Sections 20 and 24 of the Financial Procedures and Financial Accountability Act, 2076, the Ministry of Finance has issued a statement of ‘Work Operation Directive, 2081’. The provisions related to fuel in Article 49 have been amended. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle approved the amendment today, April 9.

As per the amendment, secretaries and special class officials who used to get 125 liters of fuel will now get 70 liters. Joint secretary level officials who used to get 100 liters of fuel will now get 50 liters. The ministers and constitutional office-bearers will get fuel facilities as per the prevailing laws.

Similarly, the fuel facility provided to the bridges of the central level office has also been reduced. Offices with up to 30 employees used to get 75 litres of petrol and 100 litres of diesel but now they will get 35 litres petrol and 50 litres diesel.

The office will provide 35 liters of petrol and 50 liters of diesel from the previous 75 liters and 100 liters of diesel. After that, 35 liters of petrol and 50 liters of diesel will be available for every 100 more employees. Earlier, 75 liters of petrol and 100 liters of diesel were provided to 100 additional employees.

Similarly, two-wheelers will now get 8 liters of petrol per month from 12 liters per month.