Petrol and politics

Well they've finally done it, fuel prices have been increased. From an economics point of view it was inevitable, shame the politicians haven't learnt the democratic way of doing things with the result that there have been a couple of demonstrations, maybe more to come. The decision appears to have been reached in private between the normal huddle of politicians with no proper cabinet discussion to bring all the parties together on this issue let alone the opportunity of a debate in parliament (its members may not have been democratically elected but at least an open debate would give the impression of transparency). There are quotes in the press that the decision was made because some politicians own petrol pumps – it seems easy to convince the public that all decisions are made for corrupt reasons. I think the more likely explanation is that India just refused to supply more oil until they got paid. This would not go down well with those in Nepal who are paranoid that India pulls the strings of the Prime Minister but at least it is better than leaving the general public thinking it is all about corruption. Apart from groups who wish to make political capital about this decision, the general public reaction seems to be that the price rises (in addition to petrol and diesel, kerosene and gas which are used for cooking have gone up by 20%) are acceptable provided it means supplies are now available; they have been paying these prices on the blackmarket anyway in the last few months. So the real test will be whether the notoriously inefficient (other descriptions are sometimes used but I could not possibly comment) Nepal Oil Corporation can get supplies moving again so people don't have to queue and/or pay blackmarket prices.

On the wider political front, it is deja vue all over again. The Maoists were persuaded to postpone the special sitting of parliament they had demanded until after the Dashain festival so we now have this tomorrow. It seems unlikely that their resolutions to declare a republic and change the voting system will be agreed and it remains to be seen what action they will take if they aren't. With conditions in the mountainous areas making elections impractical during the winter months I am now starting to doubt that elections will be held before we leave in May next year – failure to hold elections and Constituent Assemblies have been a major part of Nepal's 50 year journey towards democracy so the current situation is not new.

Sheila and Heather have been doing some sightseeing over the holiday period but I've mainly stayed at home nursing aches and pains in my neck, back, chest, arms…. I think these are a reaction to what appears to be a detached top rib, I can't remember doing anything to cause this but it is sticking out a bit and is slightly tender. I suppose I ought to break my duck and go to the doctors about it but thinking how useless the medical profession was when I broke a rib 15 years ago, I'm not sure what they can do. I'll give it a couple more days and see if it magically pops back into place. Any of you out there with experience or advice on this?

Should be back to normal tomorrow, I was in the office Thursday and Friday but not many colleagues were. Then with Josie and Matt who arrive on Friday we are off to Pokhara next Sunday. Fingers crossed for nice weather so Josie can get some sunshine and see the mountains. Its been beautiful during the days here for the last week or so although it is getting noticeably chillier at night.

Cheers
Roshan

P.S. I did stay awake to watch the Rugby Final – credit to England for playing way better than looked possible a month ago, shame no tries though.