Kathmandu — Nepal has announced a major shift to a five-day working week for government offices and educational institutions, as the country grapples with a deepening energy crisis linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The decision follows an emergency cabinet meeting held on Sunday.

Government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel confirmed that offices and schools will now remain closed on both Saturdays and Sundays, extending the weekend from one day to two. Previously, Saturday was the only weekly holiday. Offices will now operate from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

The move comes as fuel shortages intensify in Nepal, largely due to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Nepal, a landlocked nation of 30 million people, relies heavily on fuel imports from India, making it highly vulnerable to global supply shocks.

Authorities have already taken emergency measures, including nearly doubling aviation fuel prices and introducing half-filled cooking gas cylinders to discourage hoarding. The state-owned Nepal Oil Corporation has reported significant losses despite recent price hikes.

Officials are also considering long-term solutions, such as transitioning petrol and diesel vehicles to electric power, though details remain unclear.

The crisis is raising concerns about Nepal’s tourism-driven economy, as rising fuel costs have forced airlines to increase fares. The wider conflict, which escalated after a joint offensive launched on February 28, continues to disrupt global markets and aviation, adding further pressure on vulnerable economies like Nepal.