Attachments
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Prices of most essential commodities monitored across the country showed an upward trend in May 2024. A relatively sharp increase was reported in the price of some vegetables, chicken meat and eggs due to the start of the lean season and reduction in supply, while price of most cereals and pulses remained relatively stable apart from slight fluctuations.
- On average, the cost of the food basket was 16.4 percent higher in May 2024 than the reference month of April 2022. The cost of the food basket in Karnali Province was 22.5 percent higher than the national average. Food prices, mainly of staples, fruits and vegetables, are likely to increase in the upcoming months during the lean season and due to the onset of the monsoon season.
- Almost all traders reported sufficient availability of both food and non-food commodities. All traders expect commodities to continue to be available in sufficient quantities during the coming month.
- Demand for food and non-food commodities was reported as medium by 79.4 and 91.2 percent of traders, respectively. High demand for food items was reported by 20.6 percent of traders, mainly in mountain districts of Karnali Province.
- Over 91 and 97 percent of traders reported stable supply and transportation of goods in May 2024; a 6.6 and 7.4 percent increase compared to April 2024.