Weekend Shift: Nepal Adds Sunday Holiday To Conserve Fuel Amid Oil Crisis

The Council of Ministers in Kathmandu decided that all government offices and academic institutions will now observe holidays on Saturdays and Sundays. Office hours on working days will remain 9 am to 5 pm. The move is a temporary measure to manage the ongoing petroleum crisis.

Reason For The Decision

Nepal has faced severe disruptions in petroleum supplies due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Rising fuel prices and shortages have impacted transportation, aviation, and daily life. The government hopes that reducing working days will cut fuel consumption significantly.

Implementation Details

The new weekend structure applies to all government offices and schools nationwide. Private institutions have been advised to follow suit, though compliance is voluntary. The government emphasized that this measure is temporary and will be reviewed once fuel supplies stabilize.

Key Highlights

•⁠  ⁠Two-day weekend announced for government offices and schools

•⁠  ⁠Holidays on Saturdays and Sundays effective April 6, 2026

•⁠  ⁠Office hours fixed at 9 am to 5 pm on working days

•⁠  ⁠Decision taken to conserve fuel amid supply disruptions

•⁠  ⁠Private institutions encouraged but not mandated to adopt the change

What It Means For Citizens

For citizens, the extended weekend may ease commuting costs and reduce fuel demand. However, it could also slow administrative processes and academic schedules. The government has assured that essential services will remain unaffected.

Sources: Deccan Herald, Sambad English, The Indian Express, The Himalayan Times, The Kathmandu Post