KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has reassured the public that despite recent disruptions in the vegetable supply, there is no shortage of essential daily commodities in the market.
The ministry has set up fair price shops at 61 locations across 44 districts to prevent shortages and control prices during this period of emergency.
Speaking after receiving a memorandum from the CPN – UML Youth Students Special District Committee, Minister Bhandari stressed the government’s commitment to taking strict action against those engaging in price gouging or creating artificial shortages, particularly during emergencies and festivals.
“Vegetables are primarily sourced from nearby districts like Dhading, Nuwakot, Makwanpur, Chitwan, and Kavrepalanchok. Recent floods have blocked roads, and heavy rainfall has damaged crops, causing a temporary disruption in supply and a slight price increase,” Bhandari said, “However, the situation is improving, and the ministry has instructed local authorities to penalize anyone found overpricing vegetables.”
Minister Bhandari further noted that the prices of daily consumer goods have decreased compared to previous levels and urged the public to report any black-marketing or price hikes to the Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection’s hotline (1137).
He reiterated the government’s commitment to taking immediate action against offenders.
“The public has raised concerns about black-marketing and price hikes. Please inform us if this is happening, and we will take swift action in every instance,” he said.
In a move to ensure the availability of daily necessities, Minister Bhandari said that the ministry has maintained prices at least 5 to 10 percent lower in government-run sales outlets.
Additionally, he warned that hotels and restaurants overcharging for essential items like bottled water will face strict action.
This includes initiating action against highway hotels, where passengers often face inflated prices.
The CPN-UML Youth Students Special District Committee, led by in-charge Ramesh Paudel and committee president Ramji Sapkota, presented a memorandum to Minister Bhandari with six-point demands, including the smooth supply of goods during emergencies and festivals.
Rajan Paudel, Director General of the Department of Commerce, Supply, and Consumer Protection, was also present at the meeting.
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