September 23: The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has assured that the government has adequate stock of sugar required for the upcoming festivals. The announcement was made amid concerns that the government has not approved purchase of sugar since the last eight months.

The department has stated that it has enough stock of sugar for three months.    
Issuing a notice on Wednesday, the department urging the consumers not to be concerned about this matter as there is sufficient stock of sugar in the market.

"There is no reason for consumers to be concerned as process of importing sugar is regular and there is enough sugar in the market,” the statement said.

The department also urged the consumers not to stockpile sugar unnecessarily.    
Earlier, it was reported that the two state-owned companies – Salt Trading Corporation and Food Management and Trading Company Limited – that have been selling sugar at subsidized rate do not have enough stock of sugar for the festive season.

This had raised concerns that the traders might increase the price of sugar at their will taking advantage of such situation.

However, the department has also cautioned businessmen against creating artificial shortage of sugar and has warned of action in line with the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS and Rules, 2076 BS if anyone is found guilty of being involved in such act.