Nepalis cut back on food as ‘hyperinflation’ and shortages bite

Key Points

• Prices of essential goods including rice, cooking oil, sugar, vegetables, mutton and eggs have risen sharply in Kathmandu Valley.
• Households are reducing food purchases and festive preparations as cooking gas shortages and higher living costs hit families and workers.
• The Rasuwa flash flood and damage to the Prithvi Highway have disrupted cargo movement, worsening supply to Kathmandu.
• Traders and consumer advocates disagree on the cause, with some blaming supply disruptions and others alleging artificial price hikes.