April 16: The prices of daily essentials including rice, edible oil and other food products have increased in the market due to the lockdown despite government’s assurance that it would not let the price increase. The government had claimed that it would ensure smooth supply of daily essentials thereby keeping inflation at the bay.

However, the local businessmen have increased the prices of consumable goods citing increase in transportation cost. Businessmen have admitted that they are forced to sell the products at a higher price as they have been bearing transportation cost much more than during normal days.

All types of lentil has seen an increase of Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg since the lockdown was imposed. Likewise, the price of a sack of rice has increased by at least Rs 100 in the recent days, informed Raj Kumar Shrestha, chairman of Retail Market Association. He said that they have been forced to sell sunflower and soybean oil at Rs 20 higher than the normal price.

Prices of other consumable items have also been increased in the same ratio, said Shrestha.

Devendra Bhakta Shrestha, a food dealer, says that the transportation companies have been charging them additional fare to transport the goods. Therefore, the prices have shot up in the recent days.