Surging food prices pile pressure on consumers as festivals approach
Summary
Households across Nepal face rising food costs, including rice, vegetables, eggs, and cooking gas shortages, as festivals approach, straining family budgets amid weak market regulation and import-driven price hikes.
Key Points
- Prices of daily essentials like rice, vegetables, pulses, and eggs are sharply rising across Nepal months before Dashain and Tihar festivals.
- Higher import costs from India, seasonal supply shortages, transport VAT, and electricity costs contribute to price increases in staples like rice and edible oil.
- Vegetable prices have surged due to monsoon-related production declines, with some vegetables seeing over 200% wholesale price hikes.
- Shortage of cooking gas (LPG) in Kathmandu Valley, driven by increased demand and panic buying, exacerbates cost-of-living pressures on consumers.
