The fuel supply in Nepal has been severely disrupted after the India-Nepal border was sealed, leaving hundreds of oil tankers stranded.
The shutdown comes in the wake of Gen Z–led protests against a social media ban and corruption, which spiralled into violent clashes, leaving at least 51 dead and prompting the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and several key ministers.
Curfews, army deployment, and attacks on leaders’ homes have further deepened the crisis in the neighbouring country.
Amid the leadership tussle, Sudan Gurung, president of the We Nepali group and a prominent face of the ongoing protests, declared his faction’s support for former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.
“We are ready to accept the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki," Gurung said.
He reiterated that the dissolution of Parliament remains a core demand, stressing that only then can an interim cabinet be formed. “The cabinet must reflect our expectations, and the Gen Z generation will monitor its functioning," he added.
Nepal’s Gen Z protesters have thrown their weight behind former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to head an interim government, after anti-corruption unrest forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to step down.
Several names emerged for the post of interim prime minister, including former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, former NEA chief Kulman Ghising, and Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang.
Partial closure of the India-Nepal border has left hundreds of oil tankers stranded, causing a severe fuel shortage across Nepal.
In Dhangadhi, residents are waiting for hours at the only government-run petrol pump open, as private fuel stations remain shut amid curfew and unrest.
Authorities in Nepal have eased curfew restrictions, allowing movement from 6 am to 11 am and again between 5 pm and 7 pm.
The curfew will remain enforced during other hours as officials work to maintain law and order amid continuing turmoil.
Nepal’s president has appealed for peace, urging citizens to stay calm while talks are underway. Both the president and the army have reportedly pressed Gen-Z leaders to agree on an interim prime minister.
A Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus running on the Delhi–Kathmandu route has been stranded in Nepal following the ongoing unrest. Officials said the Delhi government is in touch with the Indian and Nepali embassies to resolve the situation and secure the safety of passengers.
Source: News18