Nepal’s fuel dependency crisis exposes structural fragility amid global oil shocks and regional power asymmetries
Original framing: “Nepal announces two-day weekends as fuel crisis caused by Iran war deepens” — Al Jazeera
The article provides a strong historical context, tracing the fuel crisis to neoliberal reforms of the 1990s and structural adjustment policies from the 1980s. It links current events to long-standing patterns of dependency and geopolitical influence.
The fuel crisis in Nepal is not merely a consequence of the Iran war, but a symptom of deeper structural issues rooted in historical dependency, neoliberal reforms, and geopolitical asymmetry.
A holistic response requires integrating Indigenous knowledge, scientific innovation, and cross-cultural learning to build a resilient energy system. By centering marginalized voices and fostering regional cooperation, Nepal can transition from reactive measures to systemic transformation. The crisis reveals the urgent need for energy sovereignty, where policy is informed by historical awareness, future modeling, and a critical examination of power dynamics. Only through such an integrated approach can Nepal move toward sustainable and just energy futures.