Disasters, rising prices leave consumers with a subdued Dashain
Summary
Natural disasters and rising prices have subdued Dashain celebrations across Nepal, forcing many families to cut spending on clothes, food and festive gatherings. Floods and landslides have disrupted roads, supply chains and trade, while the government has stepped up market monitoring to curb shortages and price hikes.
Key Points
- Floods and landslides in Rasuwa, along the Kaligandaki Corridor and in Gorkha have disrupted transport, supply chains and local economies ahead of Dashain.
- Rising prices are forcing households to spend more on essentials and cut back on festive shopping, especially for clothing and meat.
- The government has increased market inspections through the Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection to prevent shortages, fraud and unjustified price increases.
- Trade disruptions at Rasuwagadhi and other border crossings have affected supplies of festival goods, cooking gas and other essential commodities.
