Sugar is selling for 100 Indian rupees per kilogram in Nepal’s Baitadi market after India halted sugar exports, causing concern among residents and businesses. The price is equivalent to 160 Nepali rupees, about twice the rate in the Indian market, according to local residents quoted in the report.

Baitadi’s nearest major market is Jhulaghat in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand. Many residents from Baitadi buy daily necessities there, making the export restriction a concern for households and traders on both sides of the international border.

Higher costs in Baitadi

Suresh Chand, a resident of Nanigaad and a school lecturer, said sugar prices increased considerably after exports from India were completely stopped. He said sugar remains available in Baitadi, but at roughly double the price found in Indian markets.

The increase has also affected hotels and tea sellers. Janak Chand, a hotel operator in Baitadi market, said he raised the price of a cup of tea to 30 rupees after sugar became significantly more expensive. He said the business was still running at a loss and warned that conditions could become serious if the export restriction continues.

Fewer Nepali shoppers in Jhulaghat

The restriction is also affecting businesses in Jhulaghat. Sumit Narial, vice-president of the Jhulaghat Nagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal, and general secretary Pramod Kumar Bhatt said many Nepali customers had stopped visiting Indian markets after the sugar export ban.

The traders said customers previously came to Jhulaghat to buy sugar as well as other daily-use goods. Their reduced movement has hurt business in the border market. According to the trade body’s representatives, Nepali shoppers are waiting for the restriction to be removed so they can again buy cheaper sugar and other supplies from India.

Residents seek relief for border communities

Thousands of people in Nepal’s Dasharath Chand, Patan, Purchauni and Melauli municipalities depend on Jhulaghat for shopping. Residents said they were facing difficulties because sugar could no longer be taken into Nepal from the Indian market.

They referred to the longstanding social and family ties between India and Nepal and urged the Indian government to provide relief by removing the restriction on sugar exports to Nepal.

Sanjeev Srivastava, the customs superintendent at Jhulaghat in Pithoragarh, said the Indian government had imposed a complete ban on sugar exports to Nepal until 30 September. He said no new order had been received so far and that officials would act according to the next order issued.

Conclusion

The export restriction has pushed sugar prices higher in Baitadi and reduced Nepali shopping traffic in Jhulaghat. Residents and traders are waiting for a new government order on whether exports to Nepal will resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the current price of sugar in Baitadi?

Sugar is selling for 100 Indian rupees per kilogram, or 160 Nepali rupees.

Q. Why have sugar prices increased in Nepal?

Local residents and traders link the increase to India’s stoppage of sugar exports to Nepal.

Q. Which Indian market do many Baitadi residents use?

Many residents buy daily necessities from Jhulaghat market in Pithoragarh district.

Q. How has the restriction affected Jhulaghat traders?

Traders say fewer Nepali customers are crossing into Jhulaghat, reducing business in the market.

Q. How much does a cup of tea cost in Baitadi after the increase?

A hotel operator said the price had been raised to 30 rupees.

Q. How long was the export restriction imposed for?

The customs superintendent said the Indian government had imposed a complete ban on exports to Nepal until 30 September.

Q. Has a new order been issued?

The customs superintendent said no new order had been received so far.