Hit by fuel hike, Nepal's airlines warn of suspending services

Kathmandu, Sept 11: Nepal's air service providers have warned of suspension of services across the Himalayan country if the government fails to roll-back the recent aviation fuel price hike.

The Airline Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) Wednesday submitted a memorandum to this effect to the government, reports Xinhua.

The suspension threat came in the wake of aviation fuel price hike by the government Tuesday.

Halting air services would badly affect thousands of flyers who are preparing to go home early next month to celebrate the Dashain festival, the biggest festival in Nepal.

The government decision has drawn criticism from different sectors, including tourism which is the main foreign exchange earner for Nepal.

"It has badly hit the people, so we have decided to protest this decision," said AOAN president Rameshwar Thapa.

Thapa told a press conference here that the government's monopoly in the aviation fuel sector should be ended and private suppliers should get the opportunity to provide aviation fuel to control the periodic hike in fuel prices.

The association has given the government 15 days to meet its demands.

IANS