There has been a flawed tendency among general consumers in Nepal to run after rumour making rounds in the society without verifying its truth. They are usually found amassing consumer goods unnecessarily. Sometimes this leads to a chaotic situation in the market. Over the past couple of weeks, consumers staying in major urban centres like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Nepalgunj and Biratnagar have been getting panicked due to the gossip that the entire supply chain of essential goods would get disrupted across the country in case of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The demand for cooking gas, face masks and medicines has risen so high that some profit-seeking merchants have created an artificial shortage of these essentials in the market to cash in on the uncertain situation. Though the disease has claimed the lives of around 4,000 people across the world, Nepal has remained safe from the epidemic. The number of cases being detected in China has also been dropping each passing day. The northern neighbour is reported to be in the process of resuming transportation services in Wuhan, the epicentre of the virus, as well as other cities gradually.

In Nepal, the government and the private sector suppliers have assured that there is no constraint in the supply of essential goods and medicines as their existing stock is adequate for at least three to five months. The government has called upon consumers not to panic since there is enough stock of food, medicines and other commodities. As per a news report published in this daily, Secretary at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies Baikuntha Aryal informed that the country had more than 40,000 tons of rice stock. To ensure that there is smooth supply of rice, sugar, salt, edible oil and other consumer items in the market, the government and the private suppliers are also in in process of importing such goods in additional quantity. Aryal, while speaking at an interaction organised by Nepal Chamber of Commerce in the capital on Tuesday, said that the supply market would be managed with the joint efforts of the government and business community.

Whenever any uncertain situation arises, consumers are found hoarding cooking gas cylinders, sacks of salt, rice and other essential items. There is also a practice to store various medicines as they are unaware about its risks. Since this tendency is likely to be counterproductive to the families storing such goods as well as the market, it is equally essential to create awareness among consumers. Storing LP gas cylinders in homes in a large quantity poses risks to the families concerned as well as their neighbours. It is equally essential for pharmacies to be aware about selling various medicines only after assessing possible risks. As Aryal said, it is necessary for consumers, traders and the government to remain conscious for maintaining the smooth supply of essential goods and medicines. The government must step up measures to maintain the supply system. It should also not lag behind taking stringent action against traders creating an artificial scarcity as well as the consumers hoarding goods unnecessarily.