Nepal Chamber of Commerce Urges Restraint from Businesses Amid Post-Flood Supply Disruptions

The Nepal Chamber of Commerce has called on industrialists and businesspeople to trade responsibly and with restraint, citing disruptions to supply chains, transportation and trade caused by the recent devastating floods. The chamber issued the appeal through a statement on Monday.

With major festivals including Teej, Dashain, Tihar, Chhath, Nepal Sambat and Ramadan approaching, the chamber urged businesses to maintain regular supply of essential goods, avoid artificial shortages and price hikes, and prioritise consumer interests as market demand rises.

The chamber noted that the floods caused significant loss of life and property, along with serious disruption to transportation, supply chains and market operations. It said the damage to the northern Rasuwagadhi border point in particular has hampered imports, exports and goods supply, making it all the more necessary to keep markets functioning smoothly and in an orderly manner ahead of the festival season.

Calling on industrialists, importers, distributors, and wholesale and retail traders to conduct their business responsibly, the chamber stressed the need to use alternative supply routes where highways remain blocked, and to manage adequate storage and effective distribution systems.

The chamber said the private sector should undertake joint preparations to prevent disruptions in the supply of essential goods. It added that businesses should rise above profit motives to fulfil their social responsibility during the crisis, the government should focus on facilitation rather than control, and consumers should avoid unnecessary panic buying and hoarding.

No one should use the disruption caused by the disaster as an opportunity for unfair business gain, the chamber said, adding that the private sector must instead play a responsible role in maintaining market confidence during this difficult period.