Strikes banned in import, distribution of petro-products in Nepal

The government of Nepal has invoked the Essential Services Act (ESA) 2014 (1957), which bans employee strikes in 16 various crucial service areas. Covered by the law are the import and distribution of petroleum products such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and internal security services, among others. Those directly involved in strikes against essential services are subject to a six-month jail term or a fine of 200 Nepali rupees (US$2.5), or both. The Nepali government also enforced the ESA in 2008 to ensure the availability of essential services. However, the ESA did not recognize last year the import and distribution of petroleum products as an essential service. (April 7, 2009)