Government directs to import sugar for festive season

The Ministry of Commerce and Supplies has directed Nepal Food Corporation, National Trading and Salt Trading to import sugar to guarantee smooth supply during the festive season that starts next month.

Earlier, a cabinet meeting on May 30 had already decided to import 30,000 metric tonnes of sugar on one per cent customs duty by October 17 to maintain smooth supply during Dashain and Tihar, the greatest festivals in the country.
Every year during the festival season, the market witnesses a shortage of sugar due to government and its agencies apathy towards the people.

The ministry has asked the Nepal Food Corporation and National Trading to import 5,000 metric tones each and Salt Trading to import 15,000 metric tonnes of sugar, said, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce and Supplies  Deepak Subedi. “The Finance Ministry has also been asked to release budget and help set up fair-price shops during the festivals like earlier years to ensure smooth supply during Dashain and Tihar,” he said, adding that a three-member committee led by Director General of the Department of Commerce and Supplies Management has also been formed to effectively monitor sales of sugar.