Kathmandu, January 11:

Consumer rights experts today called on consumers to be aware of their rights and to raise voice against the prejudices of self-centred groups.

Pabitra Bajracharya, president of Nepal Retail Business Association, said people’s purchasing capacity was decreasing day by day and the concept of ‘free market’ was still not applicable in Nepal.

He said the pricing of consumer goods was influenced by so-called big business entrepreneurs, accusing them of influencing the policy-making. He added that the government was incapable of checking rising prices and implementing market policies.

Bhola Nath Pokharel, central member of the Consumers’ Welfare Preservation Forum, said there was a global trend of consumer good price reduction but it was an exception for Nepal.

He added that the global financial crisis was causing market prices to fall, but added that tax policy and power cuts did not let that happen here.

“Government interference is applicable only in petroleum products and salt,” said Kailash Kumar Bajimaya, acting director of Department of Commerce.