According to traders, the demand for candles has increased by as much as 50 percent as it is the cheapest and easiest alternative to light up homes during power cuts.[break]
The surge in demand, meanwhile, has led to rise in the price of candles. “Candles have become dearer because prices of wax, thread and candle machine have increased by around 20 percent,” said Pradip Khanal, proprietor of Khanal Stores, Ason.
Khanal Stores import was from Iran and threads and candle machines from India and China.
The price of candles depends on size and design. Simple while-colored candles are available in price range of Rs 5 to Rs 20, while the colored ones in attractive designs cost as high as Rs 500 per piece.
Colored candles in attractive designs are mostly used in special occasions like birthdays and weddings.
Thanks to easy availability of raw materials, some people have started producing candles on their own. According to traders, some 200 families are involved in candle making business in the capital alone.
Sanjay Jaiswal, who started to make candles couple of few months ago, said: “It is easier to make candles; but profit margin is very low.” He also said demand for candles grow with the rise in load-shedding hours.
Candle makers say the availability of cheaper Chinese inverters, emergency lights and solar systems have hampered their business. “Our business has not flourished to the extent we have expected as most of the people are buying power backup systems like generators and inverters,” said Rajendra Jaiswal, who has been supplying candles to markets in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Butwal, Bhaktapur and Banepa, among others, for the past three decades.
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