Kathmandu – A significant disparity between wholesale and retail vegetable prices in Kathmandu has placed a heavy burden on low-income consumers, raising questions about market transparency and government oversight.
Despite a notable drop in prices of green vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, onions, and tomatoes at the Kalimati wholesale market, retail prices remain excessively high—up to 50% more, according to consumer complaints. For instance, while wholesale prices for cauliflower hover around NPR 25-40 per kilogram, the same vegetable is being sold in retail markets for as high as NPR 100 per kilogram.
Consumers attribute this discrepancy to the presence of intermediaries and a lack of market awareness. Retailers are reportedly exploiting gaps in consumer knowledge about vegetable types and prices, leading to arbitrary pricing.
The Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Committee has been publishing daily price updates in an attempt to enhance transparency. However, even wholesale prices vary, undermining these efforts. While the committee has directed wholesalers to issue invoices to retailers, compliance remains inconsistent.
Vinay Shrestha, an information officer for the committee, acknowledged challenges in ensuring price transparency, despite measures such as daily price setting. He noted that many retailers bypass formal invoicing, further complicating accountability.
Market monitoring by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Protection has also been criticized as inadequate. Although the department has threatened action against regulatory violations, consumers have yet to feel any tangible relief.
With escalating retail prices and ineffective oversight, households continue to struggle to manage their daily expenses. Experts urge the government to strengthen market monitoring mechanisms and enforce compliance to protect consumer rights and stabilize prices.
