KATHMANDU: Nepal’s spending on petroleum products has outpaced its total merchandise export earnings, according to the latest 11-month data from the Department of Customs for the current fiscal year 2025/26.

While the country’s total exports stood at Rs 277.96 billion, fuel imports from India reached Rs 297.79 billion, surpassing export revenues by nearly Rs 20 billion and further widening the trade deficit.

Diesel remained the largest import item, accounting for Rs 152.67 billion, although its total volume dropped due to surging global prices and slowed infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, petrol imports stood at Rs 68.17 billion and aviation turbine fuel accounted for Rs 17.49 billion.

Interestingly, cooking gas (LPG) imports fell by Rs 5 billion to Rs 52.21 billion, a decline primarily attributed to the growing domestic adoption of electric stoves.