Citing ongoing disruptions in petroleum supplies due to the conflict in West Asia, the Nepali government has decided to implement a two-day weekend for government offices and educational institutions. Under this new arrangement, public holidays will now be observed on Saturdays and Sundays for government offices and educational institutions.
Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said that the decision was made at a Cabinet meeting yesterday, considering the disruptions in global oil supply that have affected the global economy, particularly in Asian countries. The minister stated that government offices, excluding educational institutions, will now operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on working days.
Previously, offices in this Himalayan nation operated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nepali Cabinet has also decided to prepare the necessary legal framework to facilitate the conversion of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles into electric vehicles. Although Nepal has been witnessing a rapid transition towards electric four-wheelers among new car purchases, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles continue to dominate the market due to past purchases.