KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce today announced that the government is looking to bring in 7000 metric tonnes of sugar into the valley ahead of Dashain.

Though the government has announced that the sugar supply in the valley is adequate many people are feeling a sugar supply crunch. “Salt Trading Corporation (STC) does not give out more than 200 sacks of sugar at one time. Retailers are really suffering because though STC gives sacks of 50 kg each, when they weigh the sacks they turn out to be only 47 kg,” said Retailers’ Association president Pabitra Man Bajracharya.

Though the government has fixed the price of sugar at Rs 53 per kg, retailers are selling sugar at Rs 65 per kg. “Though the government says that it has adequate supply of sugar, retailers are not being able to meet the demand of consumers, and are buying from private importers and selling at any price they like,” added Bajracharya.

Consumers are also unaware of the price hike hence

the Department of Commerce is looking to find ways to set up information media that will provide necessary information to consumers. .

“We are looking for ways to counter this price hike as well as provide price information to consumers very soon. As far as the problem of sugar supply is concerned we are bringing in 7000 metric tonnes of sugar by Dashain as a form of market intervention to regulate supply,” said Ganesh Dhakal at the Department of Commerce.

DoC is also looking to set up a number of depots within the valley to regulate the price hike, and stabilize supply as well as maintain vigilance against black marketeers.

Dhakal also suggested that more markets like Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market (KFVM) need to be established all over the country and

farmers themselves need to come and sell their produce at the desired rates.

Due to the upcoming festive season retailers have been hiking prices as and when they feel and the government has not taken steps to counter this. “Ever since the budget was announced nothing has been administered. Not only are the consumers suffering but retailers are stashing away goods and hoarding them in order to sell during festivals at much higher rates,” said Consumer Rights Protection Forum secretary Ram Chandra Simkhada.

If the government keeps its promise, people may not have to suffer this Dashain.