Sugar Prices Rise, Shortages Emerge as Festivals Approach

Kathmandu. As festivals approach, the price of sugar has increased in the market, and consumers are complaining about shortages. The consumption of sugar doubles during festivals compared to normal times. However, domestic industrialists have broken their promises within three months, policy decisions on imports have been delayed, and effective regulation in the open market is lacking, leaving consumers facing the double blow of high prices and shortages. Sugar, which was previously available for Rs 95 to Rs 100 per kilogram, has now increased to Rs 120 per kilogram in the retail market. Consumers complain that even with the willingness to pay higher prices, sugar is not easily available in shops. However, the government seems unconcerned about the shortage and price increase of sugar. It has not initiated any process to facilitate supply, nor has it conducted any monitoring. A discussion on sugar supply management was scheduled in the Industry Committee on Monday, but it was postponed for special reasons. Three Months After Giving Assurance, 'Deception' Neighboring country India's decision to ban sugar exports in the last week of Baishakh had spread fear of a severe shortage in the Nepali market. As India is a major sugar producer globally and Nepal's main source of supply, the impact of India's decision was expected to be directly felt in Nepal.

The government has warned that if it does not grant timely permission for sugar imports and make clear policy decisions regarding quotas, there could be severe shortages and price hikes in the market during the festivals. Importers state that consumers are at risk of being affected due to the mismatch between rising international market prices and domestic demand.