KATHMANDU: The government is determined to avert any potential scarcity of sugar during the upcoming Tihar festival, a crucial time for festivities and sweets.

Discussions held at the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers emphasized the need for immediate action to stabilize the sugar supply in the market.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ issued directives to concerned authorities to monitor the influx of illegally imported sugar and its proper distribution to meet consumer demand.

Secretary of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, Ganesh Pandey, directed the heads of Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department to strategize effective monitoring measures.

With growing concerns about the hoarding of sugar by certain industries, the government has initiated steps to regulate the market and ensure fair distribution among both large-scale and general consumers.

In light of these discussions, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, under the Prime Minister’s guidance, has intensified efforts to prevent any artificial sugar shortage in the market.

The authorities are scrutinizing reports of illicit sugar imports and the preferential treatment given to larger industries, hindering the smooth flow of sugar into the retail market.

The government has also highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration between Nepal Police and sugar industries to monitor stockpiles and facilitate the swift delivery of sugar to the market.

To address the immediate demand, Nepal Salt Trading has pledged to procure an additional 3,000 metric tons of sugar, supplementing their existing stock of 1,600 metric tons.

Efforts are underway to coordinate the timely release of sugar from the warehouses to ensure ample supply for the general public.

Meanwhile, authorities have cautioned against unauthorized price hikes, with reports of certain retailers selling sugar at inflated rates.

Nepal Police has been directed to launch special investigations and comprehensive monitoring to curb any unfair practices or illegal hoarding of sugar in the market.