KATHMANDU: Every year the country faces sugar shortage ahead of Dashain and Tihar. And, it seems that this year is no exception.

The shortage has dealt another blow to consumers, who are already bearing the burnt of skyrocketing prices of other daily commodities.

Consumer forums believe the sugar shortage issue is artificial. There is sugar in the market, but traders are hoarding it, said Consumer Rights Protection general secretary Jyoti Baniya. Retailers on the other hand say they are also the victims of sugar shortage.

“We have been unable to bring in sugar,” said Retailers’ Trade Association chairperson Pabitra Bajrachraya. The government is preparing to import 50,000 metric tonnes of sugar from India. “We are hoping that the shortage will ease once the sugar is brought in from India,” said Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, assuring consumers that there will be adequate supply of sugar.