April 18, Kathmandu – The National Janji Citizens’ Movement has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government and Nepal Oil Corporation to reduce fuel prices. During a press conference held at Sambad Dabali in the capital on Saturday, the organization warned that if prices do not decrease within 24 hours, they will surround the Oil Corporation’s offices.
“The new leaders, who promised to free the people from the clutches of the old guard, are instead burdening the public with inflation,” said Sunil Singh, coordinator of the movement. “Is this the gift of the two-thirds majority? If the government ignores the people’s voice, we will struggle to end the existence of the Oil Corporation.”
Ajay Sodari, co-coordinator of the movement, expressed outrage over the excessive increase in petroleum prices in Nepal while neighboring countries have kept prices stable. “While petrol costs 95 rupees in India, the price in Nepal is 219 rupees, which is disgraceful,” Sodari stated. She accused the government of imposing even more inflation on the public by misleading them about a supposed 50 percent tax exemption. “No one should be spared from surrounding the government and Nepal Oil Corporation that are pretending to offer tax relief,” she asserted.
She also expressed strong frustration that despite rising inflation driven by government policies, there has been widespread silence instead of vociferous protests. “Prices are going up, and it seems like there is a silent period between this government and the people; yet everyone remains quiet,” she said.
Janji activist Prakash Bam criticized the government led by Balendra Shah, which emerged from the Janji movement, for ruling in an authoritarian manner and restricting common people from accessing Singha Durbar, displaying his anger over the issue.
