Minister Bhandari warns against price hikes, black market activities

KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has issued a stern warning to subordinate bodies regarding the potential for artificial price hikes and black market activities in the lead-up to the festival season, particularly in the aftermath of recent disasters. He has directed authorities to intensify monitoring efforts to safeguard consumer rights.

In a meeting held today, Minister Bhandari summoned Rajan Paudel, Director General of the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection, to his office. He instructed Paudel to implement nationwide market monitoring to prevent consumer exploitation during this critical period. The Minister assured the Department of the Ministry's full support in these efforts.

Additionally, Minister Bhandari directed Ramesh Acharya, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Management and Trade Company (FMTC), and Urmila Shrestha, Chief Executive Officer of the Salt Trading Corporation (STC), to organise fair-price shops aimed at the festival season. These shops are intended to enhance consumer access to essential goods, according to Anand Bhatta from the Minister's Secretariat.

Moreover, the Minister instructed Chandika Prasad Bhatta, Managing Director of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC), to increase the stock of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in preparation for the festivals.

The Ministry's Secretariat has also refuted claims that it had agreed with the Hotel Association Nepal to forgo monitoring of the hotel industry. Instead, the Secretariat reported that some hotels have been charging above the maximum retail prices, prompting the Minister to order strict monitoring.

Meanwhile, the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has affirmed its commitment to regular market monitoring in accordance with existing laws. The Department is taking all necessary measures to ensure the supply of quality goods at reasonable prices. Department Director and Information Officer Dik Bahadur Karki stated that monitoring activities have been intensified in anticipation of the upcoming festivals.