KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 5 The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has directed producers, importers, and distributors to immediately curb sudden and unjustified price hikes of daily consumer goods. Issuing a statement on Wednesday, the Department instructed major suppliers of essentials such as food grains, edible oil, cooking gas, and rice to avoid unfair profits and ensure regular supply at reasonable prices. The move follows growing consumer complaints and media reports of artificial price increases and supply shortages. The Department said joint market monitoring has been intensified to enforce consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act and Regulations, targeting producers, sellers, importers, stockpilers, and service providers dealing in essential goods.