KATHMANDU:- The government has reduced fuel facilities for public officials and government employees in a move aimed at controlling expenditure and addressing the ongoing fuel constraints.

The Ministry of Finance said the decision was taken as part of austerity measures under the revised Work Operation Directives, 2081, in line with the Economic Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2076 BS. Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle approved the revised provisions.

Under the new arrangement, secretaries and special class officials will now receive 70 litres of fuel per month, down from 125 litres. Fuel allocation for joint secretaries has been cut from 100 litres to 50 litres. However, fuel benefits for ministers and constitutional office-bearers remain unchanged.

Fuel support for government offices has also been scaled down. Offices with up to 30 employees will now receive 35 litres of petrol and 50 litres of diesel, reduced from 75 litres and 100 litres respectively. The same limit applies to offices with up to 50 employees. For larger offices, an additional 35 litres of petrol and 50 litres of diesel will be provided for every 100 employees, nearly half of the previous allocation.

The provision for two-wheelers has also been reduced, with monthly petrol allocation lowered from 12 litres to eight litres.

The government said the measure is expected to help reduce public spending and manage fuel use more efficiently amid current challenges.