KATHMANDU: The government has launched subsidized shops in Pokhara to provide essential daily goods to consumers at reduced rates during the festive season, including Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath.
The Salt Trading Corporation’s Gandaki provincial office began operating these shops at its premises in Prithvichowk starting Sept. 1.
According to office chief Sagar Sherchan, the shops are operating for two months in line with government policy and will remain open until the end of Kartik. The outlets are selling essential food items, including sugar, salt, oil, and rice, at prices lower than the prevailing market rates.
Sugar is being sold at Rs 100 per kg at the subsidized shops. With the current market price of sugar at Rs 140 per kg, consumers receive a discount of Rs 40 per kg. To manage supply, each consumer is permitted to purchase a maximum of 6 kg of sugar.
Sachina Ranabhat, a consumer from Birauta, Pokhara-17, expressed satisfaction with the lower prices compared to other stores, noting that sugar, in particular, is significantly cheaper.
The Salt Trading Corporation maintains offices in both Pokhara and Baglung within Gandaki province, both of which are providing subsidized goods to the public. The corporation has been operating such shops annually during the festive season to provide relief to citizens.
