International Fuel Crisis Disrupts Blacktopping Work on Nagdhunga–Naubise Road Section

Kathmandu. The fuel supply crisis triggered by the escalating tensions between Iran and the US–Israel conflict has started affecting development projects in Nepal. Due to a shortage of bitumen in the international market, blacktopping work on the Nagdhunga–Nauibise section of the Nagdhunga–Mugling road project has been halted. According to the construction company Jyansu Sagun JV, around 530 tons of bitumen required for the final phase of paving could not be supplied on time, forcing the suspension of work. While 6 kilometers of blacktopping has already been completed, work on the remaining section has stopped. The contractor claims the project could be completed within 10 days if the required bitumen is made available immediately. Project officials stated that the section has reached 88% physical progress and 82% financial progress. The project, funded by the World Bank, is directly impacted by the ongoing global petroleum supply disruption.