The government has assured the public that food and other essential commodities will remain available despite floods and landslides disrupting major highways across Nepal.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies (MoICS) said it has strengthened preparations to maintain uninterrupted supplies amid heavy rainfall and forecasts of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds across various parts of the country.
The ministry said sufficient stocks of food and essential goods are being maintained to address potential disruptions caused by natural disasters and increased demand during the festive season.
According to the MoICS, adequate food stocks are available in the National Food Security Reserve and the SAARC Food Security Bank, while the distribution of food and other essential commodities in the market remains smooth.
The government has also made arrangements to transport essential goods through alternative routes if major highways and supply corridors remain blocked. The ministry is coordinating with the Department of Roads, local administrations, security agencies, private-sector organisations and businesses to keep supply chains functioning.
The MoICS assured consumers that essential goods would remain available at reasonable prices and urged the public not to engage in unnecessary hoarding or panic buying, which could put additional pressure on prices and supplies.
The government has also warned traders against exploiting disaster-related disruptions or increased festive-season demand by fixing prices, forming cartels or syndicates, engaging in black marketing, creating artificial shortages or hoarding goods.
The ministry urged consumers to report any activities that could affect their interests to the concerned government authorities.
