In a nuclear reactor, gaps are defined between fuel assemblies so that moderators can be inserted. Hence, the nuclear characteristics vary between the central portion and periphery of the fuel assembly so that the local output peaking becomes greater on the periphery of the fuel assembly. The present invention flattens the local output peaking by providing that the quantity of a nuclear fuel material per fuel rod loaded in the fuel rods on the periphery of the fuel assembly is smaller than the quantity of the fuel material per fuel rod loaded in the fuel rods at the central portion of the fuel assembly. Any one of the following three constructions can be used:(1) The theoretical density of the nuclear fuel material pellets to be inserted into the fuel rod is reduced.(2) The nuclear fuel material pellets to be inserted into the fuel rod is made hollow.(3) The diameter of the fuel rod is reduced.