Vegetable prices skyrocket in Valley as landslides disrupt transport
Summary
Landslides triggered by relentless rain have cut vegetable supplies to Kathmandu’s Kalimati market by nearly two thirds, pushing wholesale and retail prices sharply higher. The disruption is affecting produce flows from surrounding districts and India, with further price pressure expected as festivals and the wedding season approach.
Key Points
- Vegetable supplies to the Kalimati market fell to 242 tonnes on Friday from 657 tonnes on Thursday after landslides blocked highways leading to the Kathmandu Valley.
- Wholesale prices for many vegetables, including tomatoes, cabbage and cauliflower, rose sharply within a week, with retail prices also climbing.
- The Prithvi Highway and BP Highway have been obstructed by landslides, disrupting supply routes from nearby districts and India.
- Nepal Rastra Bank said overall inflation stood at 5.96 percent in mid-August, while vegetable inflation rose 6.90 percent.
