"No shortage of daily consumable goods," assures Minister Bhandari

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 2: Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, assured the public that there is no major shortage of essential goods in the market, despite recent disruptions in vegetable supply due to adverse weather conditions.

Speaking after receiving a memorandum submitted by the Youth Students Special District Committee of the CPN (UML) at the Ministry today, Minister Bhandari stated that the government has established fair price shops in 61 locations across 44 districts to help stabilize the market.

He emphasized that stringent measures will be taken against individuals or businesses attempting to create artificial shortages or hike prices during emergencies and festivals. While acknowledging that recent flooding and heavy rainfall had affected road access and vegetable cultivation, leading to temporary supply issues and price increases, he noted that vegetable imports to Kathmandu are now resuming.

The Minister urged consumers to report any incidents of price gouging or black marketeering to the Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection’s hotline number—1137. He further mentioned that prices for essential goods have decreased compared to previous levels and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the availability of these items at reasonable rates, setting a minimum price margin of Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 for essential goods.

Additionally, he warned that hotels charging above the maximum retail price for essential items, particularly mineral water bottles, will face penalties. Oversight will be extended to highway hotels to ensure fair pricing, Minister Bhandari added.

On the occasion, Ramesh Paudel, In-Charge of the CPN (UML)'s Youth Students Special District Committee and a central committee member of the Party, drew the Minister’s attention to the need for improved supply of daily consumable goods during emergencies and festivals.