What we know
- Online Khabar English reported a sugar shortage in Kathmandu lasting more than two months as the festive season approaches.
- Prices for a kilogram of sugar have climbed from around Rs 95 until April to between Rs 110 and Rs 150, with some consumers reporting prices reaching Rs 170.
- Online Khabar English noted that some retailers are allegedly hoarding supplies and selling them at inflated prices.
- State-owned companies claim to have sufficient stocks while private importers cite high international prices and export restrictions from India.
What this means if you are travelling
- Trekkers and travellers purchasing personal supplies or snacks in Kathmandu may encounter difficulties finding sugar in local grocery shops.
- Some shops may require cash payments instead of digital QR systems or report empty shelves.
- Visitors staying in hotels or utilizing trekking agency packages generally rely on prepared meals and are largely unaffected by retail grocery shortages.
- Independent travellers buying their own provisions should plan ahead and check multiple stores if specific items are needed.
Online Khabar English reported that consumers in Kathmandu are struggling to find sugar as a shortage deepens ahead of the festive season that includes Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath. The scarcity has persisted for more than two months, affecting households trying to purchase the essential commodity for daily use and traditional dishes.
Market Prices and Availability
According to Online Khabar English, sugar that cost around Rs 95 per kilogram until April is now selling between Rs 110 and more than Rs 150. Individual consumers have reported paying as high as Rs 170 per kilogram after visiting multiple shops.
- Consumers reported visiting three or four different shops before locating available sugar.
- Some retailers have been accused of hoarding supplies to sell at higher rates.
- Certain shopkeepers stated that regular wholesalers had no sugar in their warehouses for extended periods.
Official Claims and Import Challenges
Online Khabar English noted that the situation persists despite government claims of sufficient stocks and approved large-scale sugar imports at reduced customs duties. State-owned entities like the Salt Trading Corporation have supplied sugar at Rs 105 per kilogram to some local grocers, though transportation expenses have pushed final retail prices higher.
Private importers interviewed by Online Khabar English explained that high international prices and export restrictions from India prevent them from bringing adequate supplies into Nepal.
What This Means for Your Travel Plans
Travellers currently in Kathmandu or preparing for upcoming treks should note that this is a retail grocery issue affecting local households and small shops. If you are organizing your own snacks or personal provisions independently, you may need to visit more than one shop and expect higher prices.
If your trip is fully organized through an established operator that provides meals and tea house accommodations, your itinerary and daily provisions remain unaffected. Digital payment methods may also occasionally face localized disruption in small grocery stores, so carrying adequate cash is advisable for small purchases.
Reported by
This update summarises reporting from the outlets below and adds our own planning guidance. Follow the links for the original reports.
Questions travellers are asking
How much does sugar cost in Kathmandu now?
Online Khabar English reported that sugar prices have climbed from around Rs 95 per kilogram in April to between Rs 110 and Rs 150, with some consumers paying up to Rs 170 per kilogram.
Why is there a sugar shortage?
Private importers state that high international prices and export restrictions from India make importing difficult, while Online Khabar English reports that some retailers are allegedly hoarding supplies despite government claims of adequate stock.
Does this shortage affect travellers on organized treks?
No. Trekkers utilizing standard agency packages or teahouse meals are not impacted by retail grocery shortages of household commodities in Kathmandu.
What should independent travellers check if buying supplies?
Independent travellers purchasing personal snacks should check multiple grocery shops, expect higher prices, and carry cash as some small retailers may report issues with digital payment systems.