SURKHET: Authorities have been monitoring shops selling essential foodstuff in Surkhet to prevent artificial shortage of essential items.

They have been carrying out on the spot monitoring drug stores, food shops, groceries, and vegetable shops.

Assistant Chief District Officer of the District Administration Office, Surkhet, Rom Bahadur Mahat said that on-site monitoring has been carried out as there would be black market in the market and create artificial shortage during the prohibitory orders.

He said, “The use of masks and sanitizers in pharmacies and the sales rate are understood.”

He warned that action would be taken if any trader was found to have increased the price unnaturally as no vehicle importing daily necessities was stopped.

He advised the traders to adopt health measures and sell the goods within the stipulated time.

According to the District Administration Office, Surkhet, the traders will not be allowed to cheat the consumers and the general public due to the monitoring done during the ban.