The Government of Nepal has called for uninterrupted supplies of essential goods and stronger market coordination following warnings of heavy rainfall and possible natural disasters across the country. In a press release dated Ashoj 8, 2083 BS, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies referred to a weather advisory issued by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology forecasting heavy rainfall, floods and landslides in various parts of Nepal from Ashoj 8 to 11, 2083 BS. The ministry stated that government agencies and private-sector suppliers were coordinating to prepare for possible disruptions and ensure the availability of daily necessities in disaster-prone areas.
According to the ministry, adequate food stocks were available at the National Food Security Storage and SAARC Food Security Bank, while arrangements were being made to facilitate the timely distribution of essential commodities. The ministry also indicated that government agencies were coordinating with security bodies to maintain transportation and supply routes where possible, including through alternative arrangements if roads were blocked by floods, landslides or other disaster-related disruptions. The government emphasized the importance of ensuring that vulnerable communities continue receiving essential supplies during emergencies.
The ministry urged consumers to purchase essential goods responsibly and avoid unnecessary stockpiling, stating that excessive buying could disrupt normal distribution and affect market availability. It also instructed importers, suppliers, distributors and retailers not to engage in artificial shortages, hoarding, black marketing, unjustified price increases or unfair commercial practices. The ministry called for stronger coordination among businesses, government agencies and local authorities to ensure that essential goods remain available at reasonable prices.
To strengthen market oversight, the ministry instructed concerned agencies to collect information, conduct market analysis and monitor supply conditions, particularly in areas vulnerable to floods and landslides. It encouraged the public to report suspected irregularities, including artificial shortages, excessive pricing and consumer rights violations, to the concerned government authorities. The press release emphasized cooperation between the government, private sector and consumers to minimize disaster-related supply disruptions and maintain market stability.
