Fuel Crisis in Nepal: A Humanitarian Crisis Too?
On Tuesday, October 13, thousands of vehicles lined up for for miles throughout the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal in order to receive fuel rations. The convergence of drivers on 125 gas stations in the area followed a decision by the Nepali government to temporarily lift a two-week ban on the sale of fuel to private vehicles. The ban had been accompanied by a rationing system in which vehicles with even and odd-numbered license plates were only permitted to drive on even and odd dates respectively. Only ambulances, vehicles transporting essential goods, and security vehicles were exempt from the rule. International Controversy and Ethnic Conflict
Restrictions on fuel use stem from the India’s refusal to allow oil tankers to cross its border into Nepal. In fact, the Nepali government has accused India, on which it depends for the vast majority of its oil imports, of imposing a blockade. Indian officials reject such a claim and frame their decision as a necessary reaction to poor security conditions within Nepal. They specifically cite the the Madhesi ethnic group’s disruption of infrastructure within the strategic Terai border region. Many within Nepal, however, believe the supply ban to be in retaliation to the Madhesi. They have shown discontent and violent agitation against the newly enacted Nepali constitution, voted upon by Nepal’s Constituent Assembly in September. Members of the Madhesi and Tharu ethnic communities and political parties do not believe that province border designations within the constitution reflect the political interests of the Madhesi. Party leaders also claim that the document fails to institutionalize agreements made by the major political parties to allow for a significant degree of provincial autonomy. To date, protests by the Madhesi and other marginalized ethnic communities over the provisions of the Constitution have lasted two months and claimed at least 40 lives.
Humanitarian Efforts
The humanitarian implications of the fuel blockade within Nepal are significant. This past April’s earthquake killed thousands of individuals and destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes and this devastation still remains. Months after the disaster, many survivors continue to depend upon aid groups for basic necessities. Fuel shortages have threatened the operation of relief and aid agencies, thus ensuring that Nepal’s most vulnerable citizens are adversely affected by the fuel crisis. Those who live in relatively inaccessible, mountainous regions are especially vulnerable, as they will soon be cut off from humanitarian supplies of food and shelter by seasonal snows. Therefore, the recent fuel crisis could have far-reaching and deeply troubling effects inside Nepal and could become an international issue.