Clash of daily consumer goods price hike: Load on vegetables and foodgrains

The monthly price review report published by the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection has shown that in the month of Baisakh of the current financial year, the price of daily consumer goods continues to increase abnormally. Analyzing the markets of major cities across the country, it has been found that there has been a rapid fluctuation in the prices of vegetables and food grains. Skyrocketing prices of vegetables: Increases that bite the back of consumers During this period, the increase in the price of vegetables has increased the burden on the back of consumers. Among the five major vegetables that fluctuated greatly in Baisakh, the local price of Ghiusimi has increased the most by 334.78 percent. At the beginning of the month, Ghisumi, which is available at 23 rupees per kg, has reached to 100 rupees towards the end of the month.

Similarly, the price of stem body has increased by 250 percent to 150 rupees per kg, the price of gourd has increased by 165 percent to 53 rupees, the price of farsi green long has increased by 138.89 percent and the price of cucumber hybrid has increased by 125 percent. There has also been a price increase of more than 100 percent in items such as Golvenda Sano (local), Cauli local, broccoli and cumin greens. Lack of relief even in food, fuel and dollar impact Consumers have not been able to get relief not only in vegetables but also in food grains. Rice prices increased in Baisakh compared to Chait due to increase in transportation costs due to general increase in prices of raw materials imported from India and sharp rise in prices of petroleum products. Sona Mansuli rice is ranging from Rs 64 to Rs 95 per kg, while Basmati rice has reached Rs 190 per kg in Kathmandu Valley.

Even in pulses and pulses, consumers have to face high prices. Maas dal has been sold for Rs 270 per kg and Rhar dal has been sold up to Rs 270 per kg. As the price of rajma reached from 170 to 300 rupees per kg, the consumer has been burdened. Normal fluctuations in meat, eggs and oils, stability in some items According to the report, the price of chicken meat (broiler) and beef has remained stable. The price of eggs has reached 600 per crate, while the price of fish has seen a modest increase. In the case of oil, mustard oil has gone up to Rs 360 per liter and soybean oil has gone up to Rs 293 per liter. However, prices of some commodities such as Indian red potato, Ghiusimi Rajma, tofu, tamarind and watermelon remained stable throughout the month.

Role of external and internal causes behind price rise Both external and internal reasons are seen to be the main reason behind this abnormal price increase. The change in the price of petroleum products up to six times during the review period has led to a huge increase in transportation fares, vehicle fares and air fares. On 2 Baisakh, petrol was 219 rupees and diesel 237 rupees per litre, but on 17 Baisakh, petrol was 217 rupees and diesel 225 rupees, but the overall transport fare remained expensive.

Fluctuations in crude oil prices in the international market and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have created disruptions in the supply chain. Similarly, the 2.13 percent fluctuation in the exchange rate of the US dollar has increased the price of imported goods. According to the report, when the selling rate of the US dollar reached 152.16 rupees in April, it had a direct impact on the Nepali market price. Emphasis on seasonal farming systems and regular market monitoring for management

The department has pointed out the need to emphasize the development and production of off-season agricultural systems to manage the instability of the market. In addition, it is mentioned in the report that there should be regular and effective market monitoring under prevailing laws to control artificial shortage, black market and unnatural price increase that may occur in the market.