Bhatbhateni Supermarket faces the music

KATHMANDU, MAY 7: The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection has taken action against Bhatbhateni Supermarket following a surprise inspection at its Anamnagar outlet. The department reported various irregularities during the raid conducted yesterday.

Bhatbhateni has been instructed to appear within three days, along with all relevant business documents. During the inspection, officials discovered that chocolates were being sold above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and that the dry dates (Chhokda) were found repackaged and displayed for sale under the supermarket’s own branding.

According to departmental rules, selling products at prices exceeding their MRP is prohibited. However, sources revealed that the Anamnagar outlet was selling a Dairy Milk chocolate with an MRP of INR 220 (approximately NPR 342) for NPR 430—well above the legal limit.

In addition, the department found that the dry dates, whose import has been officially banned, were being openly sold at the store. Bhatbhateni has not disclosed where the product came from, though it was found repackaged and ready for retail sale. “We are deeply concerned about the origin of this product,” said a departmental source. “It was clearly found repackaged for sale, and we want answers.”

To investigate further, the department has ordered Bhatbhateni to present all relevant documentation within three days, including details on how the banned product entered the supply chain.

Meanwhile, Panu Paudel, General Manager of Bhatbhateni, denied any wrongdoing, claiming the store has never charged more than the MRP. “Bhatbhateni never sells products above their MRP—this is not even possible,” he said. Regarding the repackaged dry dates, Paudel stated he was unaware of the matter, adding, “I have no knowledge of this so far. Please contact the Anamnagar outlet directly.”

The government has imposed a complete ban on the import of dry dates for the last two years. However, if import agreements were signed prior to the ban, importation is still permitted with a formal recommendation from the Department of Commerce. According to the department, no such recommendations have been issued during this period.

Despite the ban, several traders allege that dry dates continue to enter Nepal’s market, often through customs loopholes. Some claim that HS codes are being deliberately altered to facilitate illegal imports. Customs Department spokesperson Narayan Prasad Regmi, however, denied the allegations, stating that no such imports have occurred through official channels.

A trader, speaking on condition of anonymity, challenged the department’s claims: “If the dry dates are banned, why is it available everywhere? It’s clear that imports are happening with the collusion of customs officials.”