Kathmandu, April 22 -- The war in West Asia is sending ripples far beyond the battlefield, driving up costs from airfare and transport to kitchen supplies and household essentials. Now, restaurants across Kathmandu are weighing whether to raise menu prices as operating costs surge.

Smaller eateries have already begun increasing food prices.

It has been nearly two months since the conflict-triggered by coordinated military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran-began pushing up global fuel prices and stoking inflation.

Shovan Malakar, owner of Trisara Restaurant in Kathmandu, said operating costs have jumped by 25 percent as prices of imported food items and transportation have soared.

"It is becoming tough to operate ...