Consumers bear brunt of sugar price hike
Summary
Sugar prices in Kathmandu Valley have climbed to as high as Rs. 140 per kg ahead of Dashain and Tihar, leaving consumers paying much more than they did just weeks ago. The government and Salt Trading Corporation are stepping in with imports and subsidized sales to ease the festive-season spike.
Key Points
- Retail sugar prices in parts of the Kathmandu Valley have risen to as high as Rs. 140 per kg, up from around Rs. 110 a month ago.
- Consumers say they are paying Rs. 20 to Rs. 30 more per kg, while traders blame higher import costs and wholesaler market power.
- Salt Trading Corporation is selling sugar at Rs. 105 per kg and has limited sales to two kg per consumer due to supply disruptions.
- The government has approved concessional imports and plans to increase supply through public enterprises to curb further price rises.
