Is Fuel Supply from China to Nepal Viable?

Amidst the alleged blockade by India, China gifted 1.3 million liters of fuel to Nepal and agreed to meet one-third of the hill nation’s fuel demand on a sustainable basis through the Friendship Highway connecting the two countries. Nepalese politicians claim that the Chinese supply is cheaper than the Indian one, nonetheless, at one go, could only send 12 out of the required 40 tankers to collect the fuel. 

Given that the high altitude highway is marred with steep curves, is at risk of frequent landslides,  and prone to closures during monsoon and winters  – how true the claims are and how sustainable the supply will be is anybody’s guess.