Supply disruption triggers shortage, black market and price hike of essentials, LPG
Summary
Flood-related damage on the Prithvi Highway has disrupted supply to the Kathmandu Valley, causing shortages of LPG and other essentials. Prices of cooking gas, sugar, rice and cooking oil have risen sharply amid black marketing and transport bottlenecks.
Key Points
- Flood damage at Krishnabhir on the Prithvi Highway has cut off the Kathmandu Valley’s main supply route, creating shortages of essentials.
- Daily LPG transport has fallen to about 20,000 cylinders from a demand of 100,000, while bottlers have raised prices to cover transport costs.
- Dealers and retailers are reportedly demanding advance payment for LPG and consumers are facing long queues and black marketing.
- Prices of sugar, rice and cooking oil have increased sharply in the Kathmandu Valley, prompting calls for stronger market regulation.
