KATHMANDU: Department of Commerce (DoC) has seized subsidized sugar from two shops in Kathmandu today. “The department seized the sugar from the retail shops as they were selling it at more than government prescribed rate, said Kamal Bahadur Thapa, inspection officer.

The DoC — along with District Administration Office (DAO) Kathmandu, Metropolitan Police Range (MPR) Hanuman Dhoka and consumer groups had raided the shops — Bijuli Bazar Traders and Pokhareli Traders — after a complain in telephone hotline that it started from yesterday.

“We have seized nine sacks of sugar each shop under Black Marketing and Other Social Offence Act,” Thapa said adding that the market price of seized sugar is Rs 47,700. This is the first time DoC has seized a large amount of sugar from market.

Bijuli Bazar Traders and Pokhareli Traders had bought the sugar from Salt Trading Corporation (STC) to sale in subsidised rate of Rs 53kg. “But they were selling the sugar for Rs 58kg. We can cancel their dealership if they were found guilty,” said Saroj Nodhi Tiwari, Bagmati zonal manager.

According to DoC, the shops had bought 10 sacks of sugar from STC yesterday. “Now we are ready to take strong action,” said Thapa. DoC has formed a team from the representation from DOA, MPR and consumer groups to control curtailing and black marketing.

However, it has not punished any traders till date despite its raid and market monitering almost every day.

Meanwhile, the DoC’s hotline has received complaints against bottled waters also. According to the complain, mineral water industries are selling bottled water with 100 per cent profit. Production cost of 1-kg bottled water is Rs 9.88 and they are selling a bottle in MRP of Rs 20. “It is a clear violation of law,” he said.