Ensure Availability of Essential Foods During Festivals: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, along with its subordinate bodies, to ensure the smooth supply and availability of essential goods during the upcoming Dashain and Tihar festivals.

During a discussion at his office in Singha Durbar on Sunday, PM Oli emphasized that those involved in profiteering and black marketing would not be spared. He made it clear that creating an artificial shortage of daily essentials during festivals will not be tolerated.

"Black marketing and profiteering, especially in goods like sugar, tend to increase during festivals. Such traders must be discouraged, and the responsibility for marketing and supply should be given to the Salt Trading Corporation," PM Oli stated. He further added that those engaged in illegal activities must not get political protection.

In the meeting, attended by Minister for Industry Damodar Bhandari, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, and other secretaries, PM Oli urged officials to boost exports, reduce imports, and curb the import and supply of items laced with pesticides.

He also suggested that minerals and iron ore extracted within the country could be refined and utilized for industrial purposes.

Additionally, PM Oli directed the relocation of Nepal Oil Corporation’s storage facilities from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and the Thankot depot to safer locations.

He also stressed the need to intensify the excavation of petroleum products in Dailekh. However, he cautioned against promoting marijuana farming, arguing that it would damage the country's reputation. -- RSS