Kathmandu: The government is prepared to open fair-price shops starting September 15 to aid consumers during the upcoming festival season.
According to National News Agency Nepal, this initiative, decided by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on August 24, will see the Food Management and Trading Company Limited (FMTCL) and the Salt Trading Corporation (STC) managing the subsidized outlets.
The Ministry has announced that these shops will operate throughout the festival period, offering essential food and consumable items at lowered rates to support general consumers. Shivram Pokhrel, Head of the Supply Management and Consumer Interest Protection Division, confirmed that a directive has been issued to both FMTCL and STC for the establishment of these fair-price shops.
FMTCL plans to provide a Rs five discount per kilogram on various items, including rice, lentils, wheat, and sugar, across its outlets in 46 districts. Meanwhile, STC will manage discount stores at 15 locations within the Kathmandu Valley, including three mobile units. Beyond the Kathmandu Valley, STC will also set up fair-price shops in other districts, offering Rs 2 off per kilogram of salt, Rs 5 off per kilogram of sugar, and Rs 7 off per litre of oil, as well as reduced prices on beaten rice, pulses, flour, and maize.