The government has decided to keep fair price shops—primarily opened for the festival season—operational for an additional three months due to a large stockpile of food.
The Food Management and Trading Company Limited (FMTCL), a state-owned enterprise, will now run these subsidized outlets until January 15, 2026, according to FMTCL Chief Bhim Bahadur Thapa. The extension was made because the government still holds significant unsold food inventory.
This year, FMTCL began operating fair price shops on September 15, targeting Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals. Originally scheduled to close after Chhath, the outlets were also extended by a similar timeframe last year. Currently, FMTCL is running subsidized shops from 111 locations across 45 districts.
At these outlets, FMTCL has been offering a Rs 5 per kg discount on rice, lentils, wheat, sugar, and other essentials. Likewise, Salt Trading Corporation is providing Rs 2 off per kg on salt, Rs 5 per kg on sugar, Rs 7 per litre on cooking oil, and Rs 7 per kg on beaten rice, pulses, flour, and maize. Items such as coriander seeds, tea, and cumin seeds are being sold with a Rs 10 per kg discount. Locally produced items from the Karnali region—including beans, Marsi rice, and special cereals—are also offered at subsidized rates.
As of Monday, FMTCL reported generating Rs 206.06 million in revenue from these fair price shops. Between September 15 and October 27, the outlets sold 16,526 quintals of rice, 50,811 liters of edible oil, and 152 quintals of pulses.
The government had allocated Rs 25.2 million to subsidize essential goods during the festival season. Of this, Rs 13.336 million remains, which FMTCL plans to use during the extended operation period.
