Rising food prices and gas shortages force Kathmandu households to cut festive meals

In Kathmandu Valley, families are trimming holiday menus as supply chain disruptions and higher transport fees drive up the cost of staples. Shanti Belbase, a 53-year-old housewife, cancelled plans to make sel-roti for the Haritalika Teej festival after rice flour, sugar, edible oil and spices surged in price. Driver Amrit Thapa, earning Rs20,000 a month, now purchases rice in small bags, relies on a kerosene stove, and has stopped buying fruit or meat.

The surge follows a flash flood on August 26 that damaged a section of the Prithvi Highway, slowing cargo flow to the capital. Wholesale prices for mustard oil, sunflower oil, black lentils, turmeric and many vegetables have risen sharply, while retail meat and egg prices have also climbed. Economists warn that persistent ultra-high inflation could dampen demand during the peak festival season, risking a recession-like slowdown in the valley’s economy.