Inflation squeezes consumers as Dashain markets grow crowded

With Dashain approaching, markets in Kathmandu Valley have seen a growing crowd of shoppers, but rising prices of food grains, clothing and meat have made it difficult for consumers to manage their expenses.

Markets such as Asan, Indrachowk, New Road, Baneshwar, Putalisadak and Thamel are busy with people buying clothes and daily essentials.

According to Shalikchandra Sharma of Kathmandu Metropolitan City-32, the price of fine Jira Masino rice has risen by about Rs 300 per sack.

He said mutton has also become costlier, by around Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kilogram.

Sharma complained that as prices rise, celebrating the festival has become increasingly difficult.

Consumers say prices of daily consumer goods and food grains have risen considerably in recent times.

Consumers suspect clothing prices have risen somewhat after two border points with China were disrupted following the Bhotekoshi flood on Bhadra 10.