Public Account Committee directs government to investigate cement price hike

KATHMANDU: The Public Account Committee of the House of Representatives has instructed the government to undertake a comprehensive study on the recent surge in cement prices and to present the findings within seven days.

Committee President Rishikesh Pokharel announced the decision today, stating, "The construction cost has also escalated with the increase in cement prices, and the relevant ministry must intervene as this price surge is atypical. The Committee instructs the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) to conduct a study and analysis of the causes behind the price hike and submit a report to the Committee within seven days."

The Committee has also directed the MoICS to develop and implement a system for determining the prices of consumer goods.

Citing complaints of power outages in industries lasting up to 12 hours, President Pokharel added that the Committee has resolved to seek answers from the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI) regarding the extent of load shedding in industries.

Today, the Committee held discussions with the MoICS, the Federation of Contractors' Associations of Nepal (FCAN), and the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nepal (CMAN) about the rise in cement prices.

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