KATHMANDU: Prices of rice and cooking oil have continued to rise since the start of the current fiscal year, while government efforts to identify the causes and control the increases remain weak, traders say.

Retailers report receiving new shipments at higher prices almost every week, but say importers and producers have not provided clear explanations for the increases.

Amul Kaji Tuladhar, secretary-general of the Nepal Retail Trade Association, said steamed rice that sold for Rs 100 per kilogram on July 16 has risen to Rs 105. Raw mustard oil has increased by Rs 10 to Rs 290 per litre, while sunflower oil has risen by Rs 5 to Rs 290.

Rahul Agrawal, vice-president of the Nepal Rice, Oil and Pulses Industry Association, attributed the rise in rice prices to higher paddy prices. He said paddy prices have increased in India as well as in Nepal, where the price has risen by around Rs 800 per quintal, pushing rice prices up by as much as Rs 15 per kilogram.

According to Salt Trading Corporation market manager Prajwal Pradhan, a 25-kilogram sack of Jeera Masino rice now costs Rs 2,500-2,600, while Sona Mansuli costs around Rs 1,750 and steamed rice Rs 2,400-2,550. He said some rice varieties have increased by more than Rs 600 per sack.

Retailers say they are also struggling to determine whether price increases reflect genuine higher costs, as suppliers often provide little explanation. Traders warn that prices could rise further during the upcoming festival season as demand increases and new paddy has yet to enter the market.

Consumer groups and traders are calling for stronger monitoring of import costs, wholesale and retail prices, supply chains and possible artificial price increases. Without tighter oversight, they warn, weak regulation could allow further price manipulation, leaving consumers to bear the cost.