Kathmandu, May 11 -- When the conflict in West Asia began, Anil Neupane didn't think it would reach into his wallet in Kathmandu. But the Dolakha native, who commutes from Shankhamul to a driving center where he works in Radheradhe, Bhaktapur, now spends nearly 35 percent more on fuel than he used to.

What once cost him Rs500 to 800 a week has crept up to Rs1,000 to 1,100. "Whatever little I used to save goes into petrol now," he said, adding that his monthly fuel bill has hit Rs4,500.

Neupane is far from alone. Since the West Asian conflict broke out, fuel prices across Nepal have climbed sharply. Petrol, which was Rs157 a litre before the tension, now stands at Rs217. Diesel has jumped from Rs142 to Rs225-making it, for the moment, mo...