The ‘Fair Price Shop’ run by the Food Management and Trading Company Limited under the Bagmati Provincial Office in Thapathali, has gained popularity among consumers this festive season. Targeting Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat, and Chhath, the initiative has provided relief to households at a time of rising prices and market uncertainty.
According to Dharma Kumari Rajbanshi, head of the provincial office, the main objective of the Fair Price Shops is to make essential food items available at reasonable prices during festivals. “During festivals, some traders tend to raise prices unnaturally. Our goal is to balance the market and give relief to consumers,” she said.
This year, 53 types of goods are being sold at discounted rates. Discounts include Rs 5 per kilogram on rice, Rs 7 on oil, Rs 10 on spices, and up to Rs 10 on indigenous crops. Rajbanshi said consumer attraction toward Fair Price Shops has increased this year, especially since large marts like Bhatbhateni have not been operating fully due to the GenZ movement.
“People are showing more trust here than in big outside markets. Daily crowds are also increasing,” she added. The company has already stored over 33,000 metric tons of food and reported no major shortages.
To make the scheme more effective, goods can also be purchased online through a portal and mobile app. “Free home delivery is available for purchases above Rs 5,000, and there is no compromise on quality,” Rajbanshi said.
Currently, shops are operating in Thapathali, Ramshahpath, Nakkhu, and Dakshinkali, with a new branch already launched in Godavari. Plans are underway to expand to Changunarayan and Rasuwa by Tihar.
Consumer Toran Bahadur Shakya, who came to shop at Thapathali, said he found daily essentials easily available. “From lentils, pulses, rice, biscuits to ghee and tea, there are many options. Lentils cost Rs 170 outside, but here it’s Rs 163. The difference is clear,” he said, adding that such shops should run year-round for greater relief.
Similarly, shopper Kalpana Thapa shared her satisfaction: “The rice here is not only cheaper but also tastier. Shopping is convenient, the crowd is managed, and product options are abundant. If this service continued throughout the year, it would greatly help low-income families.”
As festival crowds often push ordinary consumers under the pressure of high prices, Fair Price Shops have helped stabilize prices and provide real relief. With expansion plans, online services, and quality assurance, officials believe consumer trust will continue to grow. Many shoppers say the initiative would be even more impactful if operated year-round, not just during festivals.
Text & Photos: Nepal Photo Library
