Gen Z Protests Drive Up Food Prices amid Supply Chain Disruption

Prices of fresh vegetables, eggs and other essentials have surged in Kathmandu after the Gen Z protests triggered curfews and disrupted supplies across the valley.

Residents reported sharp price hikes on Thursday evening. In Kirtipur, Ramraj Maharjan said he paid Rs 750 for a crate of eggs, above the Nepal Layers Poultry Association’s retail rate of Rs 700. “Whenever there’s a strike or crisis, ordinary consumers suffer the most,” he said, adding that tomatoes that sold for Rs 60 per kilogram a week ago now cost Rs 90, while prices of lentils and pulses have also climbed.

Consumers in other markets echoed the same concern. “Wholesale rates have jumped significantly,” said Bam Bahadur Bogati, a retailer from Sanepa shopping in Balkhu. “A week ago, five kilos of onions cost Rs 200–220. Today I paid Rs 300.”

Vegetable traders argue the hikes stem from supply disruptions caused by security restrictions. “Transporting goods from outside the valley has been difficult. If this continues, prices may rise further,” said a Balkhu-based vendor.

Kalimati Supply Plunges

The Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market, which supplies about 70 percent of Kathmandu Valley’s fresh produce, has seen a steep drop in deliveries. Market information officer Binay Shrestha said only 60 tons of produce arrived by Thursday afternoon, compared with 200 tons on Wednesday and 250 tons on Tuesday. Normally, the market handles up to 900 tons a day.

“With such reduced supply, upward pressure on prices is inevitable,” Shrestha said. He added that business has slowed because markets now open only briefly in the morning and evening under curfew, and the market’s price-listing website has not been updated since protesters set fire to its administrative office, damaging the server.

Panic Buying of Essentials

Fears of shortages sent residents crowding grocery stores in Kirtipur. “It feels like the country is leaderless, so we’re stocking up,” said one shopper. Long lines also formed at pharmacies and bank ATMs. Nabil Bank temporarily closed an ATM after running out of cash, and mobile banking outages drove more people to withdraw money.

Pharmacist Rupesh Shah reported that customers with chronic conditions bought up to four months’ worth of medicine.

Despite the rush, Nepal Food, Grocery and Wholesale Traders Association President Devendra Bhakta Shrestha said food stocks remain sufficient. “The army has not blocked food transport, and we have enough stocks for about three months,” he assured, urging consumers not to panic.

Cooking Gas Shortage

Cooking gas has become another concern. Many residents searched in vain for LPG cylinders when curfew hours were briefly relaxed. Outgoing Nepal LP Gas Industries Association president Shiva Prasad Ghimire said the government has not prioritized gas deliveries.

“Trucks aren’t getting transport passes easily, so distribution is hampered,” he explained. Existing stock can meet nationwide demand for only about five days if supply remains disrupted, he warned.