According to the Department, Supa Deurali Shop, Nishana Kirana and Cold Store, Sharmila Khaja Ghar, Bharat Dai Khaja Ghar, Kantipur Gudpak Bhandar, Bhimeshwor Coffee Shop, Setidevi Cold Store, Puspa Khaja Ghar and Surya Tea Coffee Shop were selling over-priced food items.

Similarly, Shiwakoti Gudpak Bhandar, Udaypur Gaighat Khaja Ghar, Madhya Paschim Surkheti Khaja Ghar, Ganga Khaja Ghar, Dharan Tika Khaja Ghar, Niru Cold Store and Setidevi Cold Store were also found to be overcharging customers.

“During the inspection of quake-affected areas, our team found some shops cheating customers. So we will take action against them,” said Shambhu Koirala, director general of the DoCS. He said these groceries and restaurants will be charged under Consumer Protection Act 2054 and Black Market and Other Social Crime Punishment Act 2032 BS. The DoCS has been mobilising five inspection teams in the Valley, following reports about rampant black marketing in quake-hit areas. Meanwhile, many retailers in the Valley have started opening their stores. They, however, reported shortage of dry food items like noodles, biscuits, beaten rice and water. “Around 60 percent of the total shops are opened but they are not getting enough supply from wholesalers at a time when consumers are thronging shops to buy bulk of essentials and dry food,” said Pabitra Man Bajracharya, president of the Retailers’ Association of Nepal. He said most wholesalers were out of contact.