Salt Price Soars in Remote Gorkha Villages Due to Transportation Costs
Summary
Salt costs as much as Rs 200 per packet in remote villages of northern Gorkha because goods must be hauled by mule or on foot over difficult terrain. Government transport subsidies cover only part of the route, leaving many settlements in Chumanubri Rural Municipality paying far above market prices.
Key Points
- Edible salt that sells for Rs 30 to Rs 35 per kilogram in markets costs up to Rs 200 in remote villages of northern Gorkha.
- Residents in Samagaun, Samdo, Chhekampar and other settlements pay high prices because transportation by mule or on foot is expensive and road access is limited.
- The Salt Trading Corporation says it supplies subsidized salt to northern Gorkha, but the aid does not reach all remote villages.
- Lack of completed road links in Chumanubri Rural Municipality continues to drive up the cost of daily essentials.
