Department directs adjustment of price hike on daily essentials

KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection has directed producers, importers and distributors to adjust the abnormal price rise seen in daily essential goods.

Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the Department said it has instructed market stakeholders to control unnecessary price hikes and help maintain a competitive and fair market system. According to the statement, major producers, importers and distributors of food items and edible oil have been called in and directed not to make undue profits, to ensure regular supply of goods and services, and to adjust unreasonable price increases to provide relief to consumers.

The Department said it has taken serious note of complaints received from consumers and through the media regarding abnormal price hikes and supply shortages of essential items such as cooking oil, gas and rice in recent times.

Reiterating its commitment under the Consumer Protection Act, 2018 and Consumer Protection Regulation, 2019, the Department stated that it remains committed to safeguarding consumers’ right to access quality goods and services.

To this end, joint market monitoring is being carried out in coordination with other concerned agencies at production, distribution, storage and service provider levels dealing with essential and daily consumer goods.