STC, FMTCL to open fair-price shops targeting festivals from September 15

Kathmandu, Sept 2: The government is to operate fair-price shops from September 15 for the convenience of consumers in view of the upcoming festivals.

According to the decision of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on August 24, the Food Management and Trading Company Limited (FMTCL) and the Salt Trading Corporation (STC) will operate the subsidised price shops.

The Ministry stated that shops will be set up during the festivals period to provide essential food and consumable items at concessional rates, keeping in mind the interests of the general consumer.

Shivram Pokhrel, Head of the Supply Management and Consumer Interest Protection Division of the Ministry, said that a circular has been issued to the FMTCL and Salt Trading Corporation for the operation of such fair-price shops.

FMTCL will provide a discount of Rs five per kilogram on all types of rice, lentils, wheat, sugar and other goods at the fair-price shops it is operating. It will operate subsidised price shops in a total of 46 districts.

STC will operate discount stores at 15 locations in the Kathmandu Valley, including three mobile shops.

Apart from the Kathmandu Valley, STC will run fair-price shops in various other districts. Salt Trading will offer a discount of Rs 2 per kilogram on salt, Rs 5 per kilogram on sugar, Rs 7 per litre on oil, and Rs 7 per kilogram on beaten rice, pulses, flour, and maize. (RSS)