'No shortage of essential goods in festivals'

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Oct. 10: The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies has assured consumers that there will be no shortage of essential commodities during the festival season, saying that supplies remain normal across the country.

Ministry spokesperson Jitendra Basnet said the government was coordinating with public enterprises and private-sector organisations to ensure the smooth supply of essential goods amid increased demand during the festivals.

According to him, private-sector representatives have assured the ministry that they have sufficient stocks of essential commodities, including rice, lentils, spices and cooking oil. The Public enterprises -- Food Management and Trading Company Limited (FMTCL) and Salt Trading Corporation (STC) also have adequate stocks of rice to meet market demand.

According to information received from the private sector and public enterprises, existing stocks would be sufficient to meet demand throughout the festival period, he said.

Besides, imports from India and other countries, except China, have continued regularly, he said.

To facilitate the supply of essential commodities and provide relief to consumers, the FMTCL and Salt Trading Corporation (STC) have been operating fair-price shops across the country. 

The FMTCL has started selling essential goods at discounted rates through 193 outlets in 44 districts, offering a discount of Rs. 5 per kilogram or litre on selected daily necessities.

FMTCL Information Officer Madhav Mishra said the company was selling various consumer goods, including rice, lentils, cooking oil and sugar, through its outlets.