A fierce struggle over Nepal’s new constitution continues to exact a crippling toll on the earthquake-ravaged country.

Ethnic Madhesis, from the country’s south, believe the new text discriminates against them, denying them equal standing with other Nepalis.

Seeking concessions, they have blockaded the border crossing where most of the Himalayan country’s fuel usually enters from India, preventing access for more than two months.

In Nepal’s capital Kathmandu, lines of cars, trucks, buses and motorbikes stretch for kilometres in every direction from service stations, waiting for rations coming via alternate routes.

Their owners are foregoing work to queue up for several days. Even then, they are only allowed 10 litres per car, five for a motorbike.