Here is what I know, Nepal artificially lowers the gas prices because they know 90% of all Nepalis cannot afford the real price. The catch is this, because all the gas is driven in from India, there is only so much to go around. As a result, there is no gas to be found in all of Kathmandu. We have 'gas days' for our driver, which means when the gas is finally available,he will sit in a line, waiting for gas for the entire day. Other than the obvious problem of wasting gas to get gas, the other issue is the gas is rationed to only 20 litres per vehicle. So, as soon as you get it, you need it again.
Here is a common sign throughout Kathmandu:
Here is a line waiting to get gas:
We are lucky enough to have the company write a letter, on letterhead, that states we need more than the rationed amount. They give us just a little more. We are thankful nevertheless.
So, next time you complain that gas prices are too high, this might make you feel a bit better.
2 comments:
ok other than 20 litres as a ration the only other really shocking thin to me was to see signs in english! is that often spoken in Nepal? Or are you going to have to MTC is again to learn the language?
LOVE the background. You are on a huge adventure. I'm totally sending my driver to get me more than 20 liters today in your honor. Except I don't know what 20 liters is and I'm the driver.
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