"No shortage of daily consumable goods," assures Minister Bhandari

Kathmandu, October 2: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari assured the public that there is no significant shortage of essential goods in the market, despite recent vegetable supply disruptions due to adverse weather conditions.     

Receiving a memo submitted by the CPN (UML)'s Youth Students Special District Committee at the Ministry today, Minister Bhandari informed the government has established fair price shops in 61 locations across 44 districts to stabilize the market.     

Bhandari pledged to put in place stringent measures against any individuals or businesses attempting to create artificial shortages or hike prices during emergencies and festivals.     

Noting that the recent flooding and heavy rainfall had impacted road access and vegetable cultivation, causing temporary supply issues and price increases, he however, shared that vegetable imports to Kathmandu are resuming.     

The Minister urged consumers to report any instances of price gouging or black marketeering activities to the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection's hotline number- 1137.     

Furthermore, he mentioned that prices for essential goods have decreased compared to previous times and reiterated the Ministry's commitment to ensuring the availability of these items at reasonable prices, setting a minimum price margin of Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 for essential goods.     

Additionally, he warned that hotels charging above the maximum retail price for essential items, particularly mineral water bottles, will face penalties. Plans are in place to extend oversight to highway hotels to ensure fair pricing, Minister Bhandari said.     

On the occasion, CPN (UML)'s Youth Students Special District Committee In-Charge and Party's central committee member Ramesh Paudel and drew the attention of Minister Bhandari towards improved supply of daily consumable goods during emergencies and festivals. (RSS)