Big mass pulse now costs Rs 130 per kg against Rs 125 a month ago. Cumin has increased to Rs 350 per kg from Rs 320 per kg previously while coriander has risen to Rs 170 per kg from Rs 160 per kg.

Likewise, wheat has become dearer by Rs 1 per kg over the month and now costs Rs 35 per kg. The country’s wheat output rose 0.5 percent to 18.83 million tonnes in the current fiscal year, said the Ministry of Agricultural Development.

However, the country has been importing rice and pulses to fulfil its requirements. The country imported rice worth Rs 9.75 billion in the first 10 months of current fiscal year.

According to the Retailers Association of Nepal, fenugreek has become dearer by Rs 15 and reached Rs 110 per kg in the retail market.

Traders have attributed the price rise to hoarding. “Big suppliers and wholesalers are hoarding these products,” said Pabitra Man Bajracharya, president of the Retailers Association of Nepal. “We can’t say when prices will fall and rise as the market is in the hands of big traders.”

Meanwhile, sugar prices dropped to Rs 68 per kg from Rs 70 a month ago.

Although sugar had surged to Rs 75 per kg in recent months due to a dispute between sugar mills and sugarcane farmers over prices, swelling supplies in the market have pushed down prices.

According to the Ministry of Agricultural Development, sugarcane production increased 3.1 percent to 30.2 million tonnes last year.

Retailers said that sugar prices decreased due to higher output. “Sugar mills are producing enough sugar these days resulting in a reduction in prices,” said Bajracharya.

Meanwhile, Sona rice and beaten rice prices came down to Rs 50 and Rs 46 per kg from Rs 52 and Rs 50 per kg respectively over a month.