Major shopping malls in the Kathmandu Valley have seen a significant drop in sales, as the first phase of local elections diverted attention of consumers compounded by the slow rise in temperature even after the end of winter, kept shoppers intending to purchase summer wear at bay.

Seasonal vegetables have become markedly cheaper in the wholesale markets of the Kathmandu Valley as supplies rose following bumper harvests. Prices of off-season vegetables, however, have gone through the roof.