Fair Price Shops Opened Nationwide to Ease Festive Spending

Kathmandu – In a significant move aimed at providing financial relief to consumers, fair price shops have commenced operations across Nepal, offering discounted rates on essential goods in the lead-up to the Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals. The initiative, which came into effect on Monday, 15 September 2025, is a key component of the government's plan to control artificial price hikes and ensure market stability during the peak festive season.

The government-owned Food Management and Trading Company (FMTC) and Salt Trading Corporation (STC) are leading the effort, operating discount outlets through their depots and dealers in more than four dozen districts, including the Kathmandu Valley. This year’s programme, while a regular feature of festival preparations, was implemented without a formal launch ceremony.

Discounts on Staple Foods and Supplies

Consumers can now purchase a wide range of essential items at reduced prices. The FMTC is offering a discount of NPR 5 per kilogram on various types of rice, wheat grains, sugar, and pulses. Beaten rice and flour are being sold at a concession of NPR 7 per kilogram, while spices such as cumin, coriander, and tea leaves are discounted by NPR 10 per kilogram. Additionally, the government has arranged a concession of NPR 7 per litre on mustard, sunflower, and soybean oils. Specialty items like Karnali beans, buckwheat seed, and Jumli marsi rice are available at a discount of NPR 10 per kilogram.

Similarly, the STC has set a discounted price of NPR 2 per kilogram on salt, NPR 5 per kilogram on sugar, and NPR 7 per kilogram each on oil, flour, and pulses. According to STC Chief Executive Officer Urmila Shrestha, the initiative is designed to provide consumers with high-quality goods at fair prices and counter potential profiteering by private traders.

Extensive Network to Serve Public

FMTC Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Acharya confirmed that his company is operating fair price shops from four sales centres within the Kathmandu Valley and 111 sales outlets across the country. The FMTC’s network extends to 45 districts, ensuring a wide reach for the benefit of citizens. The STC, meanwhile, has outlets in key locations across the Kathmandu Valley and other cities, and is also planning to deploy mobile shops to further enhance consumer access.

Goat Sales Postponed

In a significant departure from previous years, the FMTC has suspended its customary preparations for the sale of goats and mountain goats for Dashain. The decision was made in light of the current situation, and the company has already ceased its online booking system for goat purchases. Mr Acharya stated that the company will refund the money to the approximately 50 customers who had already placed orders. This move marks a notable shift from the company's long-standing practice of intervening in the livestock market to control prices.