KATHMANDU, Oct 22: Common people have complained that the prices of food items including fruits have doubled during the festive season.

Many people are complaining that the government is unable to control the price hikes even during the festive season. They say that the government has not been able to compensate for the lack of sugar and other food items required for the festival where the government should give concessions during the festival.

Common people have also complained about shortage of sugar in the market and a drop in the quality of rice-based food items. According to Dinesh Shrestha, who visited the market to buy fruits, this year's Dashain saw more than a double increase in prices compared to previous years.

"A decade ago, fruit prices were around Rs 300 to Rs 350 per kilo. However, this Dashain, the cost has surged from Rs 380 to Rs 400," he stated. "Even bananas have become more expensive," he added.

Another consumer Jagat Narayan Nayak shared his concern about the increasing prices of fruits, such as apples and pomegranates. He urged the government to intervene, stabilize prices, and ensure that necessary commodities are readily available without causing hardship to the public.

Similarly, Sajna Devkota also said that the prices of vegetables have skyrocketed. She noted that cauliflower, which was priced at NPR 100 per kilo before Dashain, has now reached NPR 200. Other vegetables have also experienced a steep price hike.

Similarly, fruit trader Laxmi Shrestha says that the price has increased due to the quality of the produce. She said that although the prices of pomegranate and coconut water have increased this year, the prices of other fruits have not increased much. She said that her business experienced a downturn for the first time in the seven years of owning the store.

She added this downturn in business has compelled her to make certain adjustments in order to sustain her livelihood.

 
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