Rising prices of essential goods, from fuel to food, are putting growing pressure on households across Kathmandu and beyond.
Consumers say the cost of daily necessities, including petroleum products, cooking gas, rice, lentils and vegetables, has steadily increased in recent weeks. The sharp rise has made it difficult for many to manage basic expenses, especially as incomes remain unchanged.
Workers in the informal sector are among the hardest hit. Ride-sharing drivers report that higher fuel prices have cut into their earnings, while rising rents have added to the financial burden. Small business owners, including tea shop operators and grocery retailers, say they are struggling to balance rising wholesale prices with customer expectations. Many fear losing customers if they increase prices, but selling at older rates is no longer sustainable.
Traders attribute the price hikes to a mix of global and domestic factors. Ongoing tensions in West Asia, increased transportation costs and supply disruptions have pushed up import prices. Retailers say goods are arriving at higher costs each time they restock.
Recent data also shows a steady rise in the prices of edible oil, rice and vegetables. Some vegetable prices have surged sharply within a month, reflecting supply pressures. Inflation in the food and beverage category has edged upward, according to central bank figures.
Despite the growing concern, many consumers say there has been little visible effort from authorities to control prices. As costs continue to climb across multiple sectors, households are being forced to cut back and rethink daily spending.