Pokhara, 11 April | The ongoing construction of the Kakarbhitta–Laukahi road project in eastern Nepal has slowed significantly due to a shortage of petroleum products, primarily bitumen and diesel. The disruption is largely attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have impacted global fuel supply chains and driven up prices.
According to officials involved in the project, the shortage has severely affected the pace of blacktopping work, which is currently in its peak season. The eastern section of the project, being executed by Ivarsan Kalika JV, is facing mounting challenges in maintaining construction momentum. Project Manager Ujwal Prasai stated that the company’s existing stock of bitumen would only last for another 10 to 15 days, raising concerns about an imminent halt in work.
He further explained that approximately 22 kilometers of the road have already been prepared with a base layer in anticipation of blacktopping before the monsoon season. However, due to insufficient bitumen supply, completing this phase has become increasingly difficult. Despite purchasing bitumen at higher costs, the company has not been able to secure adequate quantities.
The situation has been worsened by the diesel quota system imposed by Nepal Oil Corporation, which has restricted fuel availability for construction activities. As a result, the project is struggling to obtain sufficient diesel to operate machinery and transport materials. Officials have warned that if the current supply constraints persist, construction could come to a complete standstill within a week to ten days.
Project Chief CDE Sunilbabu Pant confirmed that the work is currently continuing only with limited available resources. He also noted that the contractors had opened letters of credit (LCs) to import bitumen, but these have reportedly been returned due to supply disruptions.
The Kakarbhitta–Sitapuri section, spanning 45 kilometers, is being upgraded at a total cost of NPR 10.06 billion. The project is considered a key infrastructure development initiative aimed at improving connectivity and supporting regional economic growth.
