Producers, importers and distributors ordered to stop sudden price increases in daily essentials

KATHMANDU: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has directed producers, importers and distributors to stop sudden and unjustified price increases in daily consumer goods.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the department has instructed all concerned parties to control unnecessary price hikes and to maintain a competitive and fair market system. "The major producers, importers and distributors of food grains and oil are instructed to provide their goods or services without taking unfair profits and to provide relief to consumers by addressing the unnatural price hike," the statement said.

It added that serious attention had been drawn to consumer complaints and media reports about unnatural price rises and shortages in the supply of daily necessities, including edible oil, cooking gas and staple rice.

The department said consumers’ right to receive quality goods and services under the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS, and the Consumer Protection Regulations, 2076 BS, will be ensured by adopting all necessary measures. Joint market monitoring is being carried out to check producers, sellers, importers, stockpilers and service-provider firms and establishments of essential and daily consumable goods across the country.

(With inputs from RSS)